Scarlet Justice - ep. 102
"Bluebell Prayer"

We start our trip home. It's longer than the way up; we make a few stops here and there to sample food whenever Fio gets in the mood. Some of the new flavours are wonderful, others less so. But it's a wonderful experience all around. I never did look down on street food despite my upbringing, but I have more of an appreciation for the various styles and personalities behind these mobile businesses now. Courage and confidence are key, it seems.

"Gotta say...this stuff never gets old," Fio remarks as we walk through a patch of forest. We're about to enter Hot Water Country once more, and so a warm meal is what the doctor ordered - today's is chicken fried rice, quickly and impeccably made. She stuffs her face as always. "Super jelly...mm...could never cook like this."

"Oh? You don't know how to cook?"

"Not very well...never had to worry about it while at home. Or I guess I never got to the age where my mother would start teaching me." She swallows her food. "I thought you would be in the same boat, but I guess not?"

"Luna-nee and Midori-nee gave me lessons. I'm not nearly as good as them, but..."

"Ah. You said they're busy right now, yeah? Luna sounds like she'd send me off to heaven with just a sandwich...I wanna try her food one day."

"You'll get the chance, don't you worry. In the meantime, you'll have to put up with what I can make you."

"Heh. Like I wouldn't be excited for that on its own."

Those old nightmares become less and less frequent, popping up in anxious moments, but with Momma showing up faster and faster to wash everything away. The sea of bodies becomes mere handfuls of corpses. I am becoming much stronger by the day. As for my lovely Fio, she says that she's never slept so well in her life. And nature is even more enjoyable with someone by my side.

This trip really was the best idea.

It's been nearly two weeks since I left the Leaf.

Those familiar gates at the front of the village come into view, growing larger and larger as we approach. Fio stares up at it with wonder in her eyes...this is the first time she's been here, and she is definitely taking everything in. It's a bright morning, warm and comfortable as we get to experience that familiar Fire Country weather again.

"Hm. Right, there is that matter..."

"What's up, Lili? Something going on?" she asks.

"We've talked about this, remember? Your status. I hope you remember most of it."

"Oh, yeah." She rubs the back of her head as we stop. "Can't really tell people about me so easily."

"They will quarantine you right away. For many reasons, including the fact that there are other children from the Hidden Sound here."

"You mentioned that. I was kind of surprised that the Leaf would hold onto so many people from another place like that...from what I've heard, it's a lot of work and resources."

"What was it you wanted, my love? Regarding how you will move through life from now on..."

"Honestly...I'm thinking about becoming a shinobi again, in some form. There are options within that, but I know for sure that I can get back to where I once was, and that I can be an effective fighter. You believe in it too, right?"

"Definitely."

"It's as I said before...I want to leave it all to you, Lili. I think that you know best."

"One more time," I say seriously. "Are you sure that you want to leave everything in my hands?"

"I do."

I nod and let out a breath. "Okay. Then we will advance promptly. I have everything decided, and while there is no such thing as a guarantee...there is a road to success that we can follow. It will be a little unethical, so to speak."

"Unethical...sheesh, Lili. What are you thinking of doing?" she asks as we resume our walk.

"Do you remember the connection between Orochimaru and Lord Hokage? They were student and teacher a very long time ago...the old man blames himself for what happened in many ways. We're going to exploit those feelings a little bit, since you yourself were directly affected by those events. It's not very nice, but I also have no interest in turning away opportunities that have come to us."

"I see...I was thinking that we would end up lying or something, but that sort of sounds better? I think?"

"A bit of leverage will be gained, very much needed if we want to make you a shinobi once more, and in service to this village especially. We will be honest. There is nothing for us to hide, after all. But we will employ some manipulation to get what we want."

"Yeah, makes sense." We reach the entrance to the village and I present my identification. The woman officer checks over Fio and we get the all-clear before stepping inside. "So, what are you thinking in terms of work? You know, since being a stay at home wife is out for now."

"I could petition him to have you join my team, if you would like," I say. Putting out the question is best, even if I know what the right answer is. I want Fio to work through it properly.

"Eh. I think that's too hard a pull on the leash, and as much as I would love it...I think if we want to talk about utility and the like, it would be way more effective for me to be on another team and not disrupt the synergy you guys have going. The only other thing to do would be to create our own team, which again, would be the best thing ever."

"And yet there's an unstated objection."

"There has to be. Team Eight is your family, I know that really well. There's no way that I would break that up, even if you gave me the chance to do it. So that's out too."

"Mm. That's as good a reason as any."

"Right. So I think the best option is to go through the normal stream, all that."

"It probably won't end up that way. We have the Bonus Program to consider, and from there your future path will be decided. It's built specifically for foreign children such as yourself."

"Yeah? Alright. I'll look forward to that, then."

"This way," I say to her. "We'll head straight to the office and tell the Hokage about you." We continue through the streets and towards the Academy complex.

"How much are we telling him?" Fio asks.

"Enough. You've run away from Orochimaru's hidden base, you were used as a subject in far too many experiments, and you have nowhere else to go right now."

"Only that much?"

"Perhaps. Not every single thing needs to be revealed at once. We can decide what needs to be left out, if anything, once we get to our discussion. But I suspect that we'll have an easier time being completely honest. Tsunade can help with your condition as well."

"Oh, yeah! I did have that whole thing with my weight and such," Fio says as she pats her stomach. "Still having a hard time with that. It'd be really cool if I could put on some more muscle...hmm. You think I should get like, buff buff or just model buff? Girl abs are pretty popular these days, you know."

"Aesthetics are always nice, but we should see how you grow before deciding on one direction or another."

"Yeah. But you want the six pack? Or the eight?"

I sigh and make a brushing motion towards her. "Listen, we have more important things to do than worrying about my kinks right now. Focus, silly girl."

"Hehe."

"We're here. Let's go and see the Hokage, and secure your place with me. I did make that promise to you, after all."

"Yep! Let's get it done!"

We make our entrance and Imari is at the front desk, working away. She raises her head and stands, meeting us with a polite bow. Today she's dressed formally in green and black, looking absolutely gorgeous. Something about the way her curves meet the fabric...

"Good day to you both. How might I help?" she asks.

"Good day to you. I would like to have a meeting with Lord Hokage, if possible."

"We can look into that. Your names, please." I remove my backpack and Imari puts it away in a safe place.

"Lilith Kobayashi," I say.

"Fionne Asagao," I hear from my companion.

"It's a lovely name."

"Was hoping you'd say something like that," Fio says with a smile. "It's a name built on a promise. You hear it a lot...that names carry strength within themselves."

"The Hokage should be free at this point in time," Imari says. "Welcome to our village, Miss Asagao. My name is Imari Hyuuga, a member of the Leaf's noble Hyuuga Clan. I am the junior special aide to Lord Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf."

"Thank you. It's very lovely to meet you, Miss Hyuuga." Fio bows for Imari. "I've come to the village as Miss Kobayashi's guest. I hope to be staying a while."

"If it's not too bold of me, are you two an item?"

"Yes...we are." Fio takes my hand and I squeeze it back. Imari nods and gives us a smile.

"Understood. Please, follow me. It's a been a slow week, so far at least. Senpai is out running some errands, if you're wondering where she might be. She needed to...cool off."

I nod knowingly as we start our leisurely walk through the halls. "The old man gets a bit touchy sometimes, doesn't he..."

"An understatement. I can't say I endorse that sort of treatment, especially when it comes to senpai, but...even as she acts up, she's not averse to the sort of dynamic they have going on."

"So she lets him have his fun, as long as he doesn't go too far."

"Believe me, she lets him hear it. And feel it."

"Ooh."

"Sounds like a heck of a woman," Fio chimes in.

"She's everything you want a senior to be. I couldn't dream of doing this job without her by my side. Lili here did very well."

"A good draw helps, yes."

"Lili? She got you this job?" Fio asks Imari.

"Yes! Senpai was unemployed and homeless, and I was serving the Hyuuga as a housekeeper. Both of us were scouted for our talents and offered work here. It's been the honour of a lifetime, and we have your lovely partner to thank."

"Glad you're enjoying it here. Yeah, Lili does have an eye for quality."

"So light teasing is fine, then," I muse.

"Don't get any ideas, you. One lecher in this office is enough. Maybe when you get your turn with the hat, we can consider it," Imari says.

"Hmph. You're no fun."

"Fun doesn't fill out the paperwork. We've arrived at our destination, ladies." The three of us stop in front of the door and Imari knocks politely as she always does before opening it. "Lord Hokage, Captain Kobayashi and her guest are here to see you. The normal schedule is still intact at this time."

"Hm. Thank you, Imari."

"Of course, sir. If there are any changes, I will be at my post in the front lobby. Senpai will be returning soon."

"Yes, of course. Many thanks again, Imari."

"Thank you, Imari," I say.

"Thanks a bunch, Imari!" Fio follows.

"Of course. I'm happy to serve, ladies. Until the next." She smiles and strides away, back down the hallway. I watch her figure as she leaves.

"Not even in the village two hours and you're making me jealous," Fio quips.

"Mm. I think she's gotten sexier since the last time I saw her..."

"Ah...gotta be the skirt and heels. I think so, anyways. Makes her look more...powerful when she walks, if that makes any sense?"

"Yeah. Good eye, Fio."

"Let's hurry up and meet the Hokage before it gets dark out. You can ogle other girls later, okay?"

"Hm. Yeah." We enter and close the door behind us, making sure it's locked before moving forward. The old man is rubbing his cheek lightly as he yawns...there's the familiar smell of polished wood and tobacco smoke that greets my senses. It's good to be back.

"Ah, Lili. It's good to see you again. How was your trip? Please, both of you have a seat."

"It was a lovely thing," I say as I drop into one of the nearby chairs. "I feel much better now, to say the least of it. The experience healed me in many, many ways."

"Good, good. And you've brought back a friend from your journey, I see."

"Yes. My other half."

"Ah," he says with a smile. "Was this love at first sight, then? Unexpected for someone of your tastes, shall we say."

"Rather cheeky on your part, ossan."

He chuckles. "I have my moments."

"I was my stubborn self, so calling it a sudden romance...well, it's hardly the case. We've had quite a few romantic moments these past few months. Isn't that right, Fio?"

"Definitely." She tilts her head downwards to address the Hokage. "My name is Fionne Asagao. It's an honour to meet you, God of Shinobi."

"Not many people in this age refer to me as such," Hiruzen says, smiling. "Especially those of your generation. Where might you be from, my child?"

"Originally the Hidden Rock, my lord."

"Ah, I see. That explains some of it." He picks up his pipe and puffs on it a few times. "Is Lord Tsuchikage doing well in his age?"

"From what I've heard, it is the case. But...I have a confession on that end." She looks to me and I nod. "I have not...been part of the Hidden Rock Village for a while now, my lord. You see...I was kidnapped by a certain man. He was Orochimaru of the Three Shinobi."

"Mm...I see." The old man rubs his chin. "Orochimaru was a former student of mine. In many ways, I am responsible for the things that he did after defecting. Because I failed to stop him decisively on that day...I must apologize and beg your forgiveness, Fionne."

"If I might be so bold, my lord? There is no need for you to apologize to me. Lili has told me many things about this village, and I heard for myself that you eventually avenged all of our broken souls in the end by defeating Orochimaru with your own hand. None of this was your fault, and I bear no grudge towards you as a result."

"I see. But...are you well?"

"Quite well, as things are now," she says with a smile. "Lili has taken care of me in every way, and it's why I can sit here in front of you, speaking with this much confidence. I'm very blessed to have met her."

"How was it that you escaped?"

"The base in Grass Country was attacked and destroyed...it was during that chaos that I ended up escaping. That seems to be what's called providence, I think."

"Most definitely," Hiruzen says in agreement.

"All of that happening allowed me to meet Lili. Even as horrible as the experience in that place was...I can sleep peacefully now, and one day I think that I'll be truly content with myself. My life is starting to change for the better."

"I see. Well...I am truly glad that you are able to move forward after so much pain and suffering."

"Thank you for that, Lord Hokage."

"Fio has no place to go," I say to him. "She has taken to wandering the countryside, doing odd jobs here and there to raise funds for herself. As capable as she is, this is no life for a young girl."

"Hm..."

"I want her to stay with me, and at this juncture will petition you to make that a reality. Further than that, I want her to become a productive member of this village. Fio was abducted for her ability, and that ability is still intact to some degree. For that reason, I believe that she would make a fine shinobi of the Leaf. As far as the Hidden Rock is concerned, she died a long time ago."

"Your request is noted, Lili. Still...this is a complicated thing to take on, as I am sure you realize."

"We did discuss these things, Lord Hokage," Fio says. "Many...changes have occurred in the past while. I was declared to be killed in action a year after my abduction by Orochimaru, meaning that I as person have not existed for some time now. My body, as you see it now, is very far from the one that I had until two years ago. This hair, these eyes...they were not this way to begin with. I could easily start a new life, and remain unrecognizable to anyone who might have known me from my old village."

"What of your parents? They must be worrying at the moment."

"My parents...they have left the village altogether, Lord Hokage. More than that...more than that, they have accepted my death as reported by the authorities. So much so, that when I did visit them a few weeks ago, they...refused to accept that I was there in front of them."

"Something like that...I see. I am sorry that you had to experience such a thing, Fionne."

"Thank you. I have been able to endure thus far, my lord."

"Yes..." It becomes quiet as the old man puffs away on his pipe, thinking. Understandably, Fio is nervous. I am too, just a bit. We've played our cards with regards to the emotional connection he must feel, but he is still well within his rights to refuse our request. He could do a lot of things, thinking about it, not least among them have Fio quarantined and studied to get ahead of any potential issues. Would he do something so cruel? Not likely, but it's always possible.

"Something quite interesting...hm. Yes. I think that will work for the good of all..."

It sounds like he's coming around to it.

"We have other children from Orochimaru's various bases, some that will be in need of guidance as the days pass. I wanted to create a group for them, and your arrival has only solidified that idea. I believe that you would be a good leader for some of those children."

"Me, Lord Hokage?" Fio asks.

"You have proven your courage and resilience. And of course, anyone recommended by one of our most elite shinobi always deserves the most serious consideration," he says with a smile towards me.

"Ah...right. I would gladly lead in service of this village, my lord. That is, if you would have me."

"Then it is settled. I will have Tamaki and Imari register you properly in the coming days. Then an aptitude test will be administered to see where you stand and the resources you will need moving forward. Our advanced stream meant for foreign children will be available to you. And of course, medical assistance will be provided by our own Tsunade," Hiruzen says with a subtle nod.

"Thank you very much."

"Welcome to our family, Fionne. I hope that you grow to your full potential while with us, and that the scars of your past are thoroughly healed."

"Thank you again, Lord Hokage."

"Is there anything else you would like to discuss, ladies?"

"Lili?" Fio looks to me for confirmation.

"A few things. There were extensive modifications to Fio's body...some becoming more harmful than others in the end. She was hunted for her bloodline limit, a rare version of Boil Release," I say. "Her physical form was severely weakened for a spell as a result, and some devices that are now a part of her are what allow her to continue to exist as a normal girl."

"I see, I see. A bloodline limit like that is an extraordinary asset. And it only makes sense that Orochimaru would be after something like it...his pursuit of jutsu was endless, and extremely destructive. I will let Tsunade know about this before your physical checkup, so that she can prepare accordingly and provide treatments as required. In the meantime, both of you should head home and rest. I am sure that it has been a long while since you've been able to properly relax."

"We will do as you say, then. Thank you for having us, Lord Hokage."

"Of course. If anything else comes up, please do not hesitate to inform me. Lili and Fionne..."

"Um, Fio's okay. I mean, if you're okay with that, Lord Hokage."

He chuckles lightly. "Fio it is, then. Lili and Fio. Both of you, take care. We will meet again soon."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage," we say in unison. We both get up, bow towards him, and leave the room together, closing the door behind us.

"..."

"..."

I watch Fio put a hand to her head, swaying dramatically. "Ohmygodohmygodohmygod-"

"We pulled it off!" I squeal.

"We did it! Aaaaaaah!"

We hug each other and jump around, giggling happily together.

"I'm home, I'm home!"

"You're home!"

"We made it! I get to live with Lili!"

"I'm so happy to have you, Fio!"

"Um...we should..."

"Yes. This...really isn't the place."

We separate and smooth out our clothing, then properly regain our composure before walking down the hall. Imari hands me my backpack at the front desk and waves to us as we leave.

"I know a little place," I say to Fio as we leave the complex. "Shall we celebrate our new life together in the Leaf?"

"Sure! Which place is this?"

"I told you about Ichiraku Ramen, yes?"

"You did! Can't wait to have a bite, then. Lili?"

"Yes, my love?"

"I'll never be able to say it enough. Thank you for everything that you've done for me."

"You're welcome, Fio. As I live and breathe, I will do anything to make you happy."

I take her hand in mine, and we start our walk through the Hidden Leaf once more. The sun is a bright circle in the mid-morning sky.

It's the start of a brilliant new day.