Scarlet Justice - ep. 84
"Moonlight"
[Venerate, Part 1]

It's approaching the end of the year. Tonight's mission is taking place in secret, since that man has made contact while I was gone. A journey of great importance to the Hokage, and perhaps myself by the end of it all. We will have to see.

Winter brings a rush of cold to Fire Country. Snow falls lightly onto the tops of houses, forming thin sheets of white. It lands on the streets and pathways before quickly melting, leaving them damp as people move to and fro in the village. I leave Luna to her rest and get ready for my little date. The long black wool sweater I bought months earlier will do today, since it reaches all the way down to my thighs and will keep me warm enough. I match it with leggings and thick leg warmers in the same colour, along with a sturdy red scarf so that I can hide my identity a bit if I need to.

"This will work," I say with a nod. I secure my armband and put on a light bit of makeup, then slip on my gloves. One last look in the mirror to make sure everything is set. I do believe that I'm ready. After pulling on my sandals, I use the window to leave quietly and seal it from the outside. There's a certain danger here that makes me want to keep Luna out of the loop, at least for now. As reliable as she is, it would be bad for her to be caught up in whatever trouble might come. I will be taking heightened precautions as well. That is why my next destination is the Hokage's Office.

I approach and drop to the ground, seeing that there is already someone outside. The young woman makes a few handseals before pressing her hands together, holding them there for a few seconds. Imari Hyuuga, my handpicked secretary for the Hokage. She's completed her on-boarding and from what I hear has been doing very well for herself. Today she's wearing an outfit that Tamaki suggested for winter: a flowing skirt that hugs the body, and a knitted green sweater with leaf-shaped decorations on the sleeves. It's very lovely, and of course Tamaki has a matching set.

"Open, please."

"Aaa~" Imari presses her finger on the underside of my tongue and finishes quickly. This is a contingency for anything unexpected or unpleasant that might happen. Necessary since I'm dealing with 'that man', as he's known.

"Thank you."

"You look cute," I say to her. She blushes and keeps her head down.

"It was senpai's idea."

"Very cute. Super cute."

"Go on and get out of here," she stammers, flustered. "Teasing me already...but remember. Come back to us safely. Okay?"

"Okay, I will. Good morning, Imari."

"Good morning, Lili." Her smile is beautiful and refreshing. I can tell that Tamaki is teaching her well and making her happy.

I leave the village in silence and end up heading west, towards the place that Naruto once mentioned. The very same one where they ended up encountering Tsunade, known as Tanzaku Quarter. It's in this place that I am supposed to encounter that man. But all I know right now is that he would be inside the town, not where he would be or in what sort of state. Apparently, that is all up to me to figure out. It's still within those very early hours as I make my way into the town itself, and because this is a place known for its enticing beverages and women among other things, it doesn't ever go to sleep. People are still roaming the streets in sizable numbers.

"..."

It would be annoying if it were anyone else. But since he's keeping contact with the Leaf like this...I can oblige him just a little this time. The simple ways work the best in times like these, and I have a good idea of what I would like to do.

After spending some time getting a good feel of the town itself, I enter the next shop that I see and head for the bathroom. If I'm going to be doing some investigating here, I will certainly need to do a little bit of work on myself before stepping outside again. I clean the light layers of makeup I have on my face and carefully reapply it to get a certain look. My hair goes up into a high ponytail, specifically to leave the back of my neck visible - that will help with the level of authenticity that I want. The person looking back at me in the mirror is a youthful-looking woman of indeterminate age. That will do very nicely.

I feel satisfied enough, so I put away my kit and leave the bathroom. There's a small pearl necklace I take from the front of the shop, and earrings beside it that I snatch up along with thin gold bracelets. Leaving the shop, I quickly put on my accessories and check myself briefly with my small compact mirror. One more small thing, I think. Instead of looking too neat, I make sure that some of my hair is loose. Yes, perfect. Now, I have to see if I have everything correct.

"An establishment...that one there, perhaps."

I casually walk over to the nearby drinking establishment with a large man guarding the front entrance. I place my scarf around my neck as I approach and look up at him calmly.

"Step right in, ma'am. Ninja get a discount on drinks here, just so you know."

"Many thanks, sir. A safe night to you."

"Thank you." He pushes open the door and I stroll inside. Well, now that I'm in, I can't leave too quickly. And I could get away with a drink as I am...but there's no point in doing that. I have to stay sharp, and I don't know what alcohol would do to my body anyways. My first drink, if it happens, should be at home in the company of loved ones.

Most important right now, though...my little disguise seems to be a smashing success. Now all I have to do is come up with a good name for this version of myself. My time in the pub amounts to about an hour or so, nursing a non-alcoholic drink slowly and resisting advances by male strangers. A little more confirmation that my transformation is good. Some might say a little too good if I'm decidedly a petite older woman in their eyes. I leave and wander through other types of establishments for a while before scouting out a hotel and checking in.

Time slips into morning proper, and the quarter takes on a more wholesome appearance with food and entertainment for all ages. Parents come around with their children and street vendors make their pitches as the roads begin to fill up with people from all walks of life. By now, there should be many more places in operation than earlier. The refined ones especially insist on keeping to standard business hours. What I want now is...a place that would cross a major artery or two of the town.

"Hm..."

The disguise continues to hold up well, with people reflexively calling me 'miss' or 'madam' as I encounter them. I do periodic checks with my compact and keep my eyes focused on locating anyone who happens to match the description of my contact. I doubt he would make it so easy, but it never hurts to check and double-check. In my search, I reach one of the town squares and find a place that looks decidedly elite. A tea house, if I'm not mistaken. I walk inside and note the atmosphere: not bustling, but definitely active. A good place for gossip and the like.

But of course, cutting to the chase would be good as well.

"May I help you?" a voice asks gently from ahead of me. I scan the area before my eyes come to rest on the woman approaching. Soft temperament, glossy black hair, neat attire that reminds me of an office lady. She has a small flower attached to the pocket on her right. There's definitely a mature feeling coming from her.

"Yes, you may. Is it possible for me to speak to the sister who runs this place?"

"Oh, my. And what would give you the impression that the owner is a woman?"

"Well, it's all very refined here," I answer confidently. "There's a certain charm that a man wouldn't be able to capture, no matter how hard he tried. Elements of form and function all coming together so nicely like this. Beautiful, don't you think?"

"I would say so, yes." She's very interested in me now. "Is your business urgent, madam?"

"Not at all. I can wait as long as needed." I casually brush away a strand of hair near my face. "If it's not too much to ask, are you busy at the moment?"

"I am not."

"Then I would like some company as I wait."

"Yes, of course. As you wish," she says with a smile. I watch as she waves over a younger woman and makes an order for tea. We move over to one of the luxurious seating arrangements and sit next to each other. She's a bit guarded as I expected, but I manage to work my way into her good graces fairly quickly. Talking about her few encounters with the nightlife, good places to shop while in town, and a little bit about the pressure she feels from family for not having children yet, even if she is still young. After we get through a cup of tea each, another woman approaches and whispers something to my host. She excuses herself politely, and I remain seated as I wait.

"I'm very sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's not a problem at all," I say to the new person. A woman in a long white dress that comes close to sweeping the floor steps closer, heels sounding against the floor. She takes her place next to me and tosses back her dark blue hair dramatically.

"That's good to hear. What might I help you with today?"

"I would like some help in acquiring information," I say politely. "If you would be so kind."

She subtly looks me over before smiling. "What kind of information is it, if I may ask?"

"It's just a bit volatile," I say as I take a sip of tea from my cup. "That type."

"Mm, I see. You're from the Leaf, aren't you? Is this an investigation?"

"Not of your place, if that's what you're asking," I say as I set down my cup again. "That's why I called for the beautiful sister of this fine establishment, to clear up any misunderstandings."

"You're very careful."

"I try to be. And of course, your time is valuable. How much would you like for your services?" I ask.

"The usual rate is fine. But..."

"But...?"

"Well...I had the feeling that you would be the adventurous type. At least a little bit."

"Have you noticed something?"

"I have...perhaps," she says with a soft smile. "There's a bit more to why you came to this sort of place, right?"

"What can I do for you?"

"I have some knots, and I think a good pair of hands would help me along."

"Ah, I see. That much is easily done. A straight trade, then?"

"You could consider a donation on top of it," she says playfully.

"Then you're in luck. I'm a philanthropist at heart," I quip back.

"Follow me, then. Will I...truly be of help?" she asks.

"You really will be," I assure her.

She gives me a bright smile. "Thank you. I'm relieved to hear it." I watch her stand and then follow her to the back of the shop. A long hallway leads down to a spacious office, and she closes the door behind me as I step inside. There are small amounts of paper in neat piles on the big desk near the back of the room, and everything looks neat and tidy. But the small signs of wear on furniture and equipment, the faint smell of ink, the pens in various places around the room...there is certainly a lot of work that goes on here daily.

"Ah, it's been a while."

"Really. Why not call a professional?" I ask. The owner sits on her luxurious looking long chair, situated on one side of the room next to her bookshelf and a table with snack boxes on it.

"Truthfully, I enjoy a bit of intimacy. More casual affairs, you know. Those professional types are far too cold and mechanical for my liking. And those other places...the atmosphere swings too far in the other direction. Among other issues I might have."

"I see."

"The shoulders will be fine enough, if you could. I suppose the neck as well..."

"Not a problem. Relax and let me take care of you."

"Thank you so much for doing this." She turns her back to me and swings her hair to the front.

"My pleasure." I slip off my gloves and pull down the zipper at her back slightly. My fingers press lightly into her fair skin to start, and then I very slowly start to work. I can see that she's taken good care of her body, but it's as she said earlier...she has quite a few knots, with tension all over her.

"Stress at home," I muse out loud.

"Yes. My husband hasn't been happy lately, and it's making my daughter anxious. Things...cascade like that sometimes. Unfortunate." She lets out a satisfied sigh as I work. "That's very nice. Did you learn this in school?"

"Self-study, actually. I wanted to improve myself for various types of outings. The idea of utility appealed to me, and in the past while it's come in handy."

"I see. Studious and mature...and single, I'm guessing?"

"Mm, for now. It might be because I like to play around too much."

"I see. You have nimble hands. And an interest in teasing girls."

"Oh, my. You read me well."

"Stop, you. Leaving so many invitations was an opening. I suppose this is part of your teasing as well."

"Who knows? I certainly don't."

She looks back at me over her shoulder and smiles, a sky blue eye shining with amusement. "What did you want to know from me?"

"I enjoy juicy gossip."

"Is that all? You didn't have to go this far if that was all you wanted."

"Perhaps not," I say as I smile back at her. "But...I had a feeling it would be more fun this way."

"I figured that would be the case." She lets out a breath as I start to work gently on her neck area. "I was right about you, then. You're definitely the adventurous type. Let's see...from the beginning of this month should be fine, yes?"

"That should be perfect."

She seems pleased enough with my efforts, so I continue working diligently. I listen to her talk about the goings on within Tanzaku, interjecting with questions and comments when I think I need to do so. In the meantime, I'm getting a clear view of her personality...she really likes company, especially if it's attractive looking people. Yours truly being included, of course. She has a husband as mentioned, and he reminds me a lot of my father. Working all of the time to the point of neglecting his family. Her daughter is spoiled as a result of this tension, getting gifts and money in exchange for affection, but she has ended up a well-meaning and kind child, someone who tries her best for others even if she looks very pushy while doing so.

There's mention of a stranger and his odd transactions. Not necessarily the purchases themselves, but the quantities of them and the locations where he stops off. The descriptions of him are fairly shallow, but I have a feeling that this is the person I'm looking for.

"I'm feeling much better. Thank you for this."

"You're very welcome," I say as I zip up her dress properly.

"Let's rest a while before going back." She lets her head fall onto my lap. "This is okay, right?"

"Of course," I say with a smile.

"I was just thinking about how you look so youthful. You could pass for a much younger woman, you know."

"Mm. It might be like that sometimes. All I really do is try my best every day."

"It's not any trouble, is it?"

"Not terribly so. You do get the occasional comments and mistakes, but it comes with the territory. That's what happens when you don't get tall enough."

"I suppose that's the case."

"..." I look down and study her face for a moment. "You really should leave that man. He's going to give you unsightly wrinkles and knot up your muscles until you die. That's if he doesn't give you a heart attack from stress first."

"I've...been considering it."

"How long?"

"Maybe three years or so. It will hurt my daughter. She loves us both and thinks we'll be together forever. So naive. However...you speak with such authority that I can't see the negatives to making my move."

"This and that have happened to me before. And things that are far worse," I say as I remember my own mother.

"I don't want my daughter to hate me."

"I know."

"But I also want to be a little selfish this time as well. It's not that I've been taking this lightly. I suppose that it makes sense now. I'll take the first step." Her eyes focus in on me. "I want to move forward."

"If you believe in yourself, everything will be fine. I will make that promise to you." I gently pat her head and she smiles.

"What might I call you?"

"Carrie," I say confidently.

"My name is Shouko."

"It's a cute name."

"Yours is too. Thank you...I can start tonight by revealing my feelings to that man, and moving away from him. Have I helped you enough?"

"Greatly. I know what I need to do next, thanks to your helpful observations."

"Just in case...there's a small cafe in the eastern end of town, directly across from the fruit market on the closest main road. That should be a very good spot to gather extra information. If it's a person, they could also be there."

"I see. Thank you again."

"Will you be on your way now, Carrie?"

"Yes. There is much to do, Shouko-nee."

She laughs lightly. "Is this teasing, too?"

"Just a little bit," I say with a smile.

"Let's make our way out." She lifts her head from my lap and escorts me from the office. There are a few other ladies waiting ahead, and they have their curious gazes fixed on me as I walk past. We stop near the front entrance, and I hand Shouko the promised envelope.

"Thank you very much for your service. Please take care, big sister."

"It was more than a pleasure," she says with a tender smile. "Good morning, Carrie."

"Good morning, Shouko."

I bow at the waist for her and leave silently. The cool afternoon air kisses my skin and I relax a bit more as I walk.

"I underestimated myself just a little. And mature women are definitely a treat. Hmhm."

I make my way to the place Shouko mentioned in order to pick up more clues before the day is out. It's also possible that he's lurking there in the open. We can see if that is indeed the case.

A few more hours pass, and I spend the time casually reading while drinking tea. Nothing has happened or seems to be happening at the moment. Not unusual for missions like this, really. It's approaching evening, so I think I should go back to my hotel and turn in.

"Excuse me. I couldn't help but notice that a woman like you was sitting alone."

There's a strange man with obviously dyed blonde hair at the side of my table. I say nothing and he decides to seat himself across from me.

"I've been meaning to approach you for a while now."

I should probably go to the bathroom. There's been quite a bit of tea drinking. I also caught a few women gossiping about some attractive man from out of town as they passed, and they seem like they're still in the bathroom right now. Perhaps that person has a following like Sasuke does in the Leaf...

"You know, I've never seen a mature woman like you before."

This guy is still talking. My charms in this disguise have yet to fade, it seems. Which is good for the most part. Do I want to do anything about this harassment? No, not really. It's a shame that he doesn't seem useful either.

"I wish you well on your love quest, but I'll be in the ladies' room," I say as I get up.

"Ah, wait-"

I ignore the idiot and start on my way. The bathroom is indeed occupied by the women from earlier who are currently crowded around the sink. I flip the lid of the western-style toilet and roll down my leggings neatly.

"It has been quite a day," I mumble to myself. Making sure everything is in order, I pull up my leggings again and press the handle firmly to flush.

"He's definitely out there."

"Yeah, but why that place?"

"The sweets are really good. But it's expensive...you know, VIP stuff."

"Ooh, rich people then. Makes sense. Someone that hot has to be loaded!"

"You think? He looks so...I dunno, humble in a way."

I wash my hands in the sink next to them and pull out my makeup kit as I look in the mirror. A quick touch-up never hurt anyone. "You might want to watch out for that blonde guy. He was at my table just now," I say out loud.

"Oh, that prick," one of the women says as she puts on pink lipstick. "He's always in here chasing skirts. And he won't take no for an answer, especially if you have the mature look, or whatever he says. Asshole."

"Ah. That means I was on his list the moment I walked in."

"Oh, definitely. I'm sure the lech was drooling puddles as soon as he spotted you," another woman says as she goes over her lashes.

"Do you mind if I ask what you were talking about earlier?"

"This super hot guy who's been hanging around town the past while. Tall, dark hair, and there's just something about the way he looks...makes you tingle a bit down there, you know?"

"Mm. Sounds intriguing."

"Right? He's been going to a little shop in the north end, one of those very exclusive places. No price tags on anything, hidden menus, the works. Long as you have the cash, you're welcome inside," a third woman says as she applies blush to her cheeks.

"Is that so..." I apply a bit of gloss to my lips and purse them gently. "Well. I've got some cash to burn. Maybe I should check him out for myself."

"Aren't we bold? You know, even if you get rejected in the end, it's worth it. He's got one of those nice, deep voices that rumble through you so beautifully. Oh, he's a snack from head to toe."

"Now that sounds exciting. You think he'll be there tomorrow?"

"I'm sure of it," the first woman says. "He seems like a regular, which is why we're assuming he's got money. Maybe he's waiting for someone?"

"Maybe." I allow myself a small smile. Well, I know that he's waiting for me in the end. This is all but direct confirmation of my target, and so soon too. I really do wonder what's in store...Sasuke's older brother.

It will be problematic if I want to kill him on sight as well. When we get to that bridge, as people say.

"I'll have a go at him tomorrow morning," I say as I fix my hair.

"Good luck to you, then!"

"Yeah, good luck!"

"I bet he's a tough one to crack, but if you get his number that's a win."

I'll guess that there are much darker secrets than that, but the encouragement is very much appreciated. "I'll do my best, then. Take care, ladies."

I stroll out of the bathroom and roll my neck from side to side. I've been up since early morning and I need to feel my best for tomorrow's meeting. Time to find my bed.

"..."

The loser from earlier is bothering someone else now. I leave my payment and a generous tip at my table, then quietly approach him from behind as he's pressuring an uncomfortable woman while sitting at her table.

"Hey."

"Huh?"

I lean towards him and whisper into his ear. "You have no charm, you know. If you keep harassing girls like this, I promise that I will make you regret it. Leave."

"..." He stumbles out of his chair and exits the establishment.

"Thank you so much," the young woman says with a grateful smile.

I nod and give her a wink before leaving. Pretty faces should be cherished and protected. It's only right.