Scarlet Justice - ep. 109
"Evening Magnolia"
[Something Precious, Part 1]

Another vivid morning in the Leaf. Ah, it's so good to be at home.

I yawn and rub my eyes before getting out of bed. My daily stretches first, then a nice warm shower. I emerge in my fluffy robe and pour myself a glass of milk before savouring it.

"Refreshing."

Spring is in full swing, as they say. The past month has been quite good; Naruto has continued his positive growth, I've taken on a few smaller missions that have been completed cleanly, and everyone in my orbit is doing well. Hina has been excusing herself from events a bit more than usual, and I suspect it's because of things related to Hanabi. It seems to be fine; she looks healthy and stable, and that's all I really care about.

Today is a free day. That means I get to do whatever I please, and I think I might just lounge around while reading manga. There's a series of books with deliciously spicy artwork that I've been meaning to sink my teeth into. Of course, nothing surpasses the wonder of the female form in real life...

"..."

I set my glass down and realize it's been too quiet. Fio wasn't with me when I woke up, so that means she's gone somewhere. But she usually tells me of these things...I wonder if it might be something classified? I close my eyes and search for her.

"The roof...?"

I blink and go to my room to get dressed. Something light would do for now – a training shirt and some shorts, since it's fairly warm today. I then pour myself another glass of milk and head outside, walking along the wall upwards until I reach the apartment roof.

"Fio?"

"Hey! I wanted to get an early start today. Did you miss me already?"

"Just a bit," I say as I walk to her side. She has one of my embroidered shirts on and a pair of jogging pants. "Is everything okay?"

"Uh-huh. Just taking in the sights before I set off."

"Set off?" I tilt my head. "Whatever for?"

"Ah, a few errands to run. Personal stuff. I can't really say too much, sorry," she says while putting her hands together. "But I promise I'll tell you what I can when the time comes."

"You're as much of a shinobi as I am. Whatever you have to keep secret, keep it that way. Even from me. There's nothing to apologize for, Fio."

"I got it. Oh, yeah. There's something for you...for your eyes only. Make sure to open it inside!" Fio hands me an envelope. It's plain, with no label. I wonder who it might be from.

Today...what was it about today? Something that I can't quite remember, but I know that I should. Is this something else that I've been suppressing? "Fio, love...was there an appointment that we were meant to take care of today?"

"Nothing that I can recall. If you can't remember it, I don't think it could be that important, yeah?"

"Perhaps not."

"I know you'll figure it out eventually. Well, gonna take care of business." She kisses me on the cheek. "See you later, Lili."

"Yes, take care. I will see you in a while."

Fio hops down from the roof, leaving me alone again. I drink the milk in my glass and sigh, looking out over the village. It really is nice today. I can't shake the feeling that I've forgotten something...hopefully I figure it out soon. I head back inside after a few minutes and open the envelope. It's...a note from Shino. I need to go to the training field. Very cryptic, even for him...I wonder what's going on. There's nothing else to the note, no hidden meanings that I can decipher...just a plain message in his handwriting.

"I wonder what it is he needs. Is he in trouble, possibly?"

I set down my glass and lock up before leaving, putting on a pair of slippers. If it was Shino, then why didn't Fio say anything? Maybe he wasn't the one that gave her the note...I don't know. I suppose that I'll find out when I get to my destination.

"Boss. Good that you could make it."

"Good morning, Shino. You said that you needed to see me? What is it, is everything okay?"

He raises a brow slightly. I wonder what he's so shocked about. "So you really did forget. That's...not unlike you, but surprising all the same."

"Forgot...? What do you mean?"

He moves his hands from behind his back slowly, and presents something to me.

A bouquet of flowers. To be precise, pink lilies. I take the flowers gently from him.

"Honestly," I say with a smile. "You men have no sense of tact. Lilies, then. Being clever at my expense, are you?"

"It's the very least I could do, Boss."

"You're so silly, you know that?" I stride forward and hug him tightly. "Shino...thank you so much. I appreciate this, more than I could properly express."

"It's no trouble at all. I couldn't forget your birthday."

"You wouldn't do such a thing...I know that. Thank you again."

"It was my honour, ma'am." He bows for me. "Sorry to end this meeting so abruptly, but I have to run a few errands today. I'll see you soon, Boss."

"Ah, yes...soon. Please take care, Shino."

He nods and heads back towards the village. I stand alone again and sniff at the lilies in my hands...a melancholy washes over me. Today is supposed to be a special day. An important day in my life...and I had truly pushed it out of my mind until Shino's reminder.

Today is the twentieth day of April. The day that I came into this world.

"Perhaps I should do something for myself, to commemorate this day...but then, I don't know if I feel well enough." I sigh. What a life, to have one's own birthday tinged with such sadness. Hm. There's something on the back of the bouquet...a card? Perhaps Shino left something else. I suppose it won't hurt to look.

I carefully remove the envelope and tease it open, revealing a flat card. There's another note on it, though this writing is formal and very neat.

"Salutations, Captain Kobayashi.

The Hokage requests your presence for a meeting later on this evening. This will involve diplomats from a foreign nation – we would like your expertise and assistance. Please dress in preparation for a formal setting, in whatever style you choose. We would also like for you to be prepared to answer questions from those present. Thank you for your cooperation.

Yours,

Miss Tamaki Kurogane, on behalf of the Third Hokage, Lord Hiruzen Sarutobi."

Ah...a formal meeting, is it? Well, I suppose it can't be too bad working on my birthday. I had forgotten until now, and I had nothing important planned...not to mention that my help is needed. Seems to be no choice but to go.

"Time to head home. I should make sure that I'm ready for the meeting..."

On my way back, I catch Fio's scent from afar. She comes up the stairs a few minutes after I do, with several bags in her hands.

"It seems like someone's been busy," I say to her.

"Oh, Lili. Back already, eh? How'd that meeting go?"

I open the door for her and she walks in ahead of me. Her bags go on the kitchen table.

"It was with Shino. He simply wanted to give me a gift," I say as I show her the flowers.

"Flowers! Aw, and they're lilies, too! Super cute!"

"He really is a thoughtful boy." I pause a moment. "Fio...I have work later tonight. It's not something that I can get out of."

"Really...that's a bummer. Today's your birthday too, isn't it?"

"It is. I...only just remembered myself. Embarrassing, isn't it?"

"Not really. I know how you get sometimes, you end up thinking of your friends and family more than you do yourself. Plus...I guess you were doing a subconscious thing, running away from yourself, maybe."

"That sounds like it, at least a little."

"Yeah. I guess we can plan something for another day, maybe tomorrow?"

"I should be free, yes."

"Great! Something for the two of us, at least. I think everyone else will be busy. But! I can give you something special now! A birthday hug and some kisses!"

Fio kisses me on the cheeks and hugs me tightly.

"Happy birthday, Lili. I love you so much, and always will."

"I love you too, Fio. Thank you," I say as I hug her back.

"Oh, oh...I finished all my errands. Just some shopping, and some stuff I had to talk to with Gramps."

"Gramps?" I ask.

"Yep. Old Man Hokage himself, you know?" Fio twirls away from me gracefully and smiles. "We were discussing special super secret sneaky shinobi stuff...but you'll be in on it soon enough. Count on that," she says with a wink.

"I see. Was that all?"

"Yep, that was it. Auntie Tsuna was the one who sent me shopping. Did you know they make vitamins...in gummy form?! I had to swallow those icky pills when I was younger! Technology is seriously powerful and amazing! Also, I got some brownies. Want some?"

"I'll pass for now," I say. "But thank you."

"Okay, cool." She shrugs. "More for me. We've got enough milk, yeah?"

"Plenty. Have fun."

I decide to keep things simple, yet elegant for my upcoming meeting. Still a while before the appointed time, so I make sure that I'm mentally prepared before anything else. It wouldn't do to have a dreary appearance once I got there. It is curious, though...I would think that normally an indication of who might be present would have been sent along with that message. Perhaps everyone else is working in the dark as well? Hm. I guess they've remembered my ability to keep my composure in these sorts of situations, and want to lean on it more than usual. That much is fine.

"Something different for today...we might be able to dismiss practicality for style. Yes, that is what we will do."

I search through my closet and find what I'm looking for. A long black dress that reaches to my ankles, the evening gloves of black silk that reach past my elbows, the heels that have been sitting in a box for ages, and lastly, a diamond necklace gifted to me by Emi for my last promotion. I turn this way and that in the mirror, deciding that everything looks to be in order. My armband goes around my upper arm as usual, signifying that I am on duty.

"I should be ready," I say to myself. I toss my hair backwards and let it settle before moving.

"Fio, darling. Are you there?"

"Mm...yeah, steak...good...hrmrm..."

"Asleep again...well, that much is fine." I watch her snore for a bit on the couch, curled up into a ball as always. My hand rubs her head gently before I secure my purse and leave as quietly as possible. It's still quite early, so I want to have a little something to eat first. Something that will properly warm my belly before what looks like a long night of work.

One of my favourite places will do. Somewhere that I haven't been visiting as often as I would like. Ichiraku Ramen is on my way to the Hokage's Office, and so I make my way over. There's nobody here at the moment, and my preferred seat on the far left is empty, so I take it. A cloth comes out from my purse and I set it down – it wouldn't do to have my dress dirtied pointlessly before an important engagement. I slip off my evening gloves and place them in my purse.

"Well, aren't we looking fancy tonight?" Teuchi says with a smile. He adjusts his hat while continuing to clean his cooking area. "Guess you have a hot date?"

"Nothing of the sort, good sir. I have a meeting with diplomats in a little while."

"Ah, I see. Must be a couple of big shots, or so I heard through the grapevine. Caused a bit of a stir earlier..."

"Really. Hm. Those sorts of ripples aren't missed easily..."

"Maybe they'll come by for some ramen and leave a nice tip!"

"I doubt that," I say bluntly. "You'll have to make do with me."

"Heh. I'd hardly call you 'making do'. Anyway...what're you craving tonight?" Teuchi asks.

"Hmm...well, I'm trying to watch my figure a bit. Surprise me with something nice...chicken, vegetables, and a hint of sweetness. The rest is up to you."

"You got it."

I nod and close my eyes, thinking for a bit. Today was certainly quiet...although, why did the mention of those diplomats escape me? Shino, too...I think he would have said something. It's a bit confusing. Perhaps I shouldn't think on it too much. "Hm. Where has your daughter gone off to, sensei?"

"Oh, Ayame is taking care of a food order somewhere else for me. I was going to go, but she sort of insisted on it. You know how she gets."

"I see. You know, it's good to have reliable children."

"Don't I know it. Here's you bowl, ma'am. Enjoy!"

"Thank you kindly." Teuchi sets down the bowl in front of me, along with a pair of chopsticks. I tie up my hair with one hand and break the sticks apart with the other before digging in. Coming here was definitely the right choice today. The chicken is tender and juicy, the vegetables add a lovely sort of bite, and there's a subtle sweetness to everything. Perfectly textured noodles that I can slurp up shamelessly, and a broth that is just the right thickness. So, so good.

I would sit here all evening and eat if I had nothing else to do.

"You truly do love your job. This is as wonderful as ever," I say as I pause my eating.

"Well, I try my best. Thanks for saying that, Lili."

"It's always my pleasure," I say before going back to my noodles. I savour each and every bite before properly draining the bowl, dabbing at my mouth with a silk cloth afterwards. The usual payment, which took some time to normalize with this humble chef, is rendered.

"Boy. It's never a dull moment with you, eh. Between you and Naruto, I could just go ahead and retire right now," he says with a laugh.

"I would miss you terribly if you did. Comfort food like this is one of life's simple pleasures, and one that I couldn't see myself living without. 'Tis but a small price to keep an establishment like this healthy."

"Small isn't the word I would use there..."

I undo my hair from its knot and run my hands through it. "Well. As many have said in the past...the rich do lead mysterious lives."

"I suppose they do. Good luck with your meeting, Lili. I'll see you soon, thanks for stopping by."

"You are quite welcome, sensei. Until the next." I slide down from my seat and fold up the cloth before putting it into my purse. A quick check with my compact, some extra lip gloss to replace what was lost...and I should be ready again. Perfect. I walk confidently down to the office and pass through the entrance, after a quick check with the guards. Tamaki and Imari are waiting for me already. They're dressed in red, with matching blazers and long skirts.

"A pleasant evening to you, Lili," Tamaki says.

"And a pleasant evening to you, Miss Kurogane. You look as stunning as ever."

"Thank you. I must say the same to you, you've certainly gone above and beyond this time."

"I agree with senpai...if I didn't know better, I would have mistaken you for a grown woman," Imari says.

"We'll be heading to the conference hall now," Tamaki says. "Our guests are waiting, along with Lord Hokage. Are you ready?"

"Yes." I set my face in neutral, getting myself ready for what might come next. "We can begin at once."

"Please, follow us." Imari walks ahead and Tamaki keeps pace behind me. Things should be okay. I have my wits about me, and I am as capable as anyone. I can do this.

The hall's front doors are wide open, and we stroll through them at a leisurely pace. My first step will be to find the Hokage and receive further instruction. It's not terribly bright inside, allowing light to find the crystals in the chandeliers above our heads, making them sparkle and shine in my vision. The old man is on the opposite side, though coincidentally he starts on his way towards me. He is dressed in his formal robes. Although...there is this nagging feeling. Why do I feel that something is off?

"Ah, there you are." Hiruzen smiles as soon as he notices me. "Very good of you to make it, Lili."

"My lord. I am at your service, as always." I bow deeply towards him.

"Good, good. I have two requests to make of you." Imari takes my purse from me gently as he says that.

"Please name them, sir."

"I would like for you to meet our special guests, and...to enjoy your birthday, most of all."

"My...eh? Lord Hokage, what do you..."

My eyes widen as the two foreigners mentioned in the letter walk towards us. Of all the things...so this is what he was planning? What all of them were planning all along?

"Well, our Lili does look as elegant as ever. But my darling little sister wouldn't settle for anything less, would she?"

"Yes. She looks very lovely. As expected of my mistress."

"Ane-ue...Luna. It was you two the entire time?" I ask. But that meant that...even Teuchi knew? So he was being cryptic as well. I don't know what to think at this moment. Some sort of surprise from my loved ones might have been in the cards, but this...nothing like this came to mind. The room starts to brighten, and I can see the shimmering space around me. Luna and Midori wear beautiful red dresses that hug their curves. All around me, there are people...the women wearing red like my sisters, and the men wearing various types of black suits. But these people are ones that I know. My old instructors, some of my classmates...my friends and family, all together as one, in this room decorated with red. Everyone, they're all here.

For...for me.

"Wahahahaha!"

Through the parting crowd comes a lovely face. Fio waves a small fan dramatically, her hair tied into an elaborate bow at the back of her head. Her red dress sweeps the floor as she twirls and poses.

"We absolutely had to put on a show for you, Lili! And it worked out!"

"So...this was the errand you were speaking of. Setting up all of this. And of course, you took advantage of me being distracted..."

"Yep, it sure was. I felt bad leaving you out of the loop like that, since you know that I tell you everything that's going on in my life. And I knew you were a bit sad...but it was the perfect opportunity to sneak a few things by you. I wanted this to be the biggest surprise, and to see the look on your face when it all came together. But it wasn't just me! Everyone helped!"

"She decided to hold me to that promise of mine," Hina says from behind me. "And I was more than happy to oblige her. It was the least we could do for someone so precious to us."

"Yeah. You more than deserve it," Kurenai says.

"It was our pleasure doing this, Boss," Shino says ahead of me.

"I...all of you." My heart is swelling. I can't...process all of this, really. Everyone around me, cheerful and smiling...I can't help but think of all the things that have happened since I've come here, and before that. All of the fights, the struggles...all of the pain and sorrow. The things that I've gained and lost. The bonds I've made and had broken. The happiness I've shared with so many. All of the love, the tears, the time spent together...all of that and everything in between.

I'm not the person I was before. I have changed, and so has my world. So many of these people standing near me...they are...

"Lili? Is everything okay?" Midori asks.

"I'm fine, Ane-ue. You know, it would be a great shame to ruin my makeup...after all the time I spent on it today, getting ready for a meeting."

"Hmhm. Of course."

I raise my head, smiling up at her as the tears come down my face. "I don't deserve any of this. I'm...so very flawed. I have so much to experience and learn, and I want to be a better person. But all of you have accepted me. You thought of me on this day, when I could hardly think of myself. Because of that...because of everything that has happened, I will cherish this moment forever. I promise all of you. Thank you...thank you so much."

"You are everything to us, Lili. For what you've done...this is only right. You deserve to be shown this kind of appreciation, and more besides," Luna says. "We love you, and this is how we're showing you today."

"Deliver the glasses, and we will have a toast," Midori says. Those serving us today weave through the crowd with trays of glasses, crystal flutes that are used to serve champagne and the like. The younger guests are served fizzy beverages in place of alcohol.

I take my own glass and raise it into the air.

"Health and safety to all within the sound of my voice. And as the heavens will it...may our futures be bright."

I sip from my glass and everyone silently follows in affirmation.

"And with that, our celebration will properly commence," Midori announces. "Have a wonderful evening, everyone."

Everyone starts to mill about, chatting and enjoying the food that is held out on small trays throughout the hall. It's an elegant, low intensity celebration. Very lovely, and it feels just like something I would plan out.

"I'll have to go to the ladies' room to touch up...I really did do a number on my makeup, even if it was worth it. Imari, love. May I have my purse?"

"Certainly. Did you need anything from me? Anything is fine, just ask," she says.

"Nothing for now. But thank you, I appreciate that. If anyone is looking for me, tell them I will be back in a moment." I finish my glass of sparkling wine and hand it to her before leaving. The bathroom isn't far away, and I step in front of a large mirror to start on my small repairs.

"Ah, done. That should be good, right?"

I take a look at myself in the mirror for a few extra moments. Even it's just for this one day...I get to be a real princess. Not wanting for a single thing, surrounded by people who would do most anything for me. A strong, proud, and immensely beautiful girl, with the world at her fingertips. Yes, that is certainly me.

"And what a sight I am," I say with a smile. I blow a kiss to my reflection before heading out again, flipping my hair over my shoulder as I walk. As I walk across the hall, I acknowledge the guests around me with light nods. Their eyes are drawn to me as I pass...as it should be. I think it's fine to be just a bit haughtier than usual today, since this is my party and all. Ah, I'm feeling a lot better than I was this morning. What a difference time makes.

"Fio, darling."

"Right here!" She finds me quickly and curtsies. "At your service, Miss Kobayashi."

I put my hands on my hips. "Well, bring me to my cake. Or will I be forced to do something as unsightly as ask for it?"

She giggles and nods. "Of course, milady. This way, please."

"Hmph." I follow her to where my birthday cake lies. It's a large rectangle that takes up a good portion of the table it rests on, a canvas of vanilla lovingly decorated with creamy red frosting. Naturally, my name is written across the top in neat characters, and in the middle is an illustration of me in thin lines of sugar. Decently done. It is quite a task to capture my good looks, but the artist has done their best this time, and I can appreciate that much.

"Well. This is passable," I say to Fio.

"Thank you, milady. Your praise humbles me."

I smile and give her a kiss. "It's absolutely lovely. You've outdone yourself this time, Fio. Thank you so much."

"Only the best for you, Lili." She produces a knife and cuts into the cake, giving me a good sized slice to try. "I heard this was one of your guilty pleasures. Red velvet!"

"A woman of culture. Ufufu...you really are something else, Fio." I take the small fork from her and cut into my slice of cake, savouring it promptly. So good...I hope there's enough left over at the end so that I can stuff myself properly. "Superb. Simply wonderful, and more than worthy of royalty."

"Heh. Knew you'd love it."

"Madam Kobayashi, my apologies for disturbing you." A woman attendant appears next to us and bows.

"It's no trouble at all. What might you need of me?"

"There is a phone call for you."

"Phone call? For me, then. How interesting...please, lead the way."

"Hey, I'll leave you to it. And take care of this slice of cake for you," Fio says. "Can't let it go to waste after all. See you in a bit, Lili."

"Yes, of course." I nod to the attendant and she leads me towards the edge of the hall, straight down into a small, quiet room. A single telephone is on the table ahead, in front of a tall leather chair. The young woman picks up the receiver as I seat myself, and hands it to me as soon as I am settled. I place it near my ear as she rotates the dial once, and the call is transferred.

"Good evening," a polished voice says from the other end.

"Hello, and good evening to you."

"I would like to speak to Madam Lilith Kobayashi."

"This is she. Please, state your business," I say confidently, crossing one leg over the other.

"This call has been placed on behalf of Madam Emi Kobayashi. I will be handing off the phone, and the next voice you hear will be hers."

"Will you need anything else while I am here, ma'am?" the attendant asks.

"Nothing. Thank you for your help. And make sure to have some of the cake when you get back. It is absolutely divine," I say with a smile.

She smiles back and bows before leaving.

"Hello?"

"Mama," I say warmly. "It's so wonderful to hear your voice again."

"Darling, it really has been too long. Happy birthday, and I wish you many more."

"Thank you, Mama. It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I did forget about today. All of this was truly a surprise."

"Well, I'm quite glad that you're enjoying yourself now."

"Yes. Have you been well?"

"Very well, yes. I truly wish that I could have been there in person, but the trip would be too much in such a short time. There has been much in the way of business to take care of, with your father's passing. Nothing you need to worry about presently, of course."

"Please don't feel bad. I know that you've been terribly busy. This phone call...this is more than enough for now. Thank you for making time for me, and I love you dearly."

"I love you too, Lili. Ah, that's right. I believe the present I sent for you will be arriving by tomorrow at the latest. I will leave it as a surprise, but you should find it quite useful in future endeavours."

Oh? Quite intriguing. I wonder what it might be. "I look forward to it."

"Very good. This call..." She sighs. "It will be far too short. I have more errands to run, time sensitive things...various annoyances and the like. But we will meet in person soon enough, and we will have a nice, long chat over tea."

"That will be splendid. I look forward to that, Mama. Please take care, and make sure not to burn yourself out."

"Of course. And the same to you, my love. Cherish yourself as only you know how."

"I will. I love you, Mama."

"I love you, Lili. Enjoy your special day."

I smile and set down the receiver, letting out a breath before standing up. "What a refreshing conversation. I really will have to meet with her soon, very soon. Even from afar, she is wonderful to me."

We have all come such a long way...reaching this day that I could never have dreamed of a few years ago.

Okay. It's time to rejoin my party. I run my hands through my hair and toss it over my shoulders, then start on my way back towards the main hall.