Scarlet Justice - ep. 135
"Fair Winds"

Today is a fine day.

In between bouts of heat, we have cool and calm stretches of weather to enjoy within the village. This is one such day, and tomorrow is projected to be the same. The timing could not be better.

Barren land within the village, cleared of all obstacles and properly smoothed. Ready for the first phase of a new project, and new beginnings for many. I stand on a nearby roof and look down at the empty space, imagining what it would look like once it was done. Of course, there are sure to be a few deviations from people more experienced in building than I, but that much is fine. As long as it's done in a reasonable amount of time and close to budget. It will take a few years at the least, I believe.

"Hmm..."

To my left should be the apartment complex. I planned for five buildings in a half circle, reaching upwards towards the sky. There would be plenty of shops below them, and many trees in lush and grassy areas. Playgrounds for children, at least one library, space for offices if needed, and lastly an academy for academic pursuits. A local donor has already volunteered to fund it, anonymously at that, according to the Hokage. He has actually been fielding offers to build various things within this space, ever since he released details about my little project to influential members of the Leaf. We've communicated with each other on what would be appropriate.

To the far right is a small neighbourhood, or it will be anyways. The luxury homes have almost sold out already; four more buyers had put in offers, and there is space for about a half dozen more easily if needed. Right now we are intending to maximize space, but plans are quite flexible at this point in time, especially when it comes to the homes – they will be built last. As planned, Naruto's new home will be among them, right next to where Fio and I will live as soon as preparations are complete.

And of course, the biggest reason for all of this will be right in the middle, taking up plenty of room. I can see the ground entrance, accessible to all with low floors and gentle slopes. Inside there would be countless rooms, facilities for food, exercise, and play, classrooms, study rooms, offices...anything and everything that would be of use to the children and the staff taking care of them. There would be bedrooms and nurseries, a built in medical facility with its own supplies allowing it to double as an emergency treatment centre if needed, and as would be necessary in a world like ours, shelters and safe rooms above and below ground in case of attack. The level of design is far from impossible, but installing all of these features comes at a considerable cost. Or at least, that much was said. It didn't look too bad for what we'll be getting in return.

"..."

I have to wonder how much I'm disconnected from the common man after all, because of my wealth. It's easy for me to set down what most could call an exorbitant amount of money on this one pursuit, but someone else with merely a magnitude of order less in their pockets would find this a very bitter pill to swallow, even if they could coast comfortably the rest of their lives while burning wheelbarrows of ryo to keep their fireplaces lit at night. And we can't just blame that sort of attitude on shinobi culture, can we. Well. One foot in front of the other. I can't solve everything on my own, and I don't think I'm meant to.

What I want is to rescue as many souls as I can. So that what I had to experience, and what Fio, and Naruto, and so many others had to go through...if I can help it, I won't let it happen to anyone else easily. Everyone, every child in this world, deserves a home. And so I will do my best to give them one. More than a home, in actuality. A place of safety and of growth, so that by the time they were ready to spread their wings, they would have their own lives to live. Actually, I could consider setting them up for life within this space, just in case things don't work out in the wider world. We could always build more, and acquire more space to do so...

"What do you think, my lord?" I ask to the person who has appeared next to me. "Will this much be enough to give light to the village?"

"More than enough," he says with a smile. Hiruzen Sarutobi puffs away on his pipe and looks in the same direction as I was a moment ago. "You have also given this place a name with meaning."

"At first I thought to name it after the family...it would be simple, and to the point. But that was no longer enough. And so, this new home will have a brilliant name. Magnolia House."

"The magnolia flower...a beautiful symbol, indeed."

"Not simply something of beauty, my lord. The magnolia flower has evolved over the eons to become resilient. There is strength, and there is dignity along with it. Perhaps these children will not be born from nobility, but they can be birthed of it here. We will change the meaning of elite, in more ways than one."

"I see. It is quite ambitious on your part, Lili."

"It must be so. This world cannot survive on half-measures any longer," I say pointedly. "Even if it means walking into heavy danger of my own will, I shall do so. Our options thin by the day, I believe."

"Hm."

"Things will work out. Touka has sent a few lists of candidates from the mansion that she will be approving soon. Luna will arrive when she has the time to help with training, among other things. And of course, we have professionals from this village that are looking for a change of pace. As confident as I've been, I didn't expect the idea to appeal to so many people. Especially since we already have an orphanage a ways from the village as it is."

"There has been quite a bit of talk," Hiruzen says. "Aside from that, the fresh approach you have to the entire situation, and the amount of money involved, is intriguing in and of itself. You have the goal of making the children an immediate part of society in different ways. The Leaf Orphanage...because of its largely public nature and regulations, it has gained a bit of a reputation over the years."

"No doubt Danzo Shimura will be bothered by this venture."

"Indeed. But there is nothing he can do about it as of now. You have the support of many different sectors of the Leaf, remarkable to say the least."

"You obviously helped."

"I suppose so."

I scoff at him. "Now who's being too modest?"

He chuckles at that.

"People will talk, and I can't do anything about that. Not that I planned to."

Hiruzen turns contemplative for a moment. "I do think about it at times. Doing more for the village...perhaps having done more in the past. Many opportunities have passed by, for various reasons."

"Politics is a terribly savage thing," I reply. "You have enough responsibility as it is. You always have, it seems. In addition to all of that, well...it might be good that it's a private project in the end. I imagine public sentiment on the existing orphanage is mixed, and tax payers don't like hearing that their money is going towards supporting society's discards. Whether they're infants or old men."

"Hm."

"Part of how I got away with something like this in the first place. A rich family deciding to make a philanthropic gesture, and dragging others along for the ride. It's all paid for by someone else. Mostly out of sight and out of mind, for now."

"What of the services?"

I shrug. "No plans to charge for them. With how things are balanced at current, we should rest comfortably in the black for as long as we need to."

"I see. And donations?"

"They would be nice, I suppose. I don't intend to hold my breath for them, though. You know how it can be...the rich are always too mysterious to truly understand."

He chuckles and puffs out a cloud of smoke.

"All of this...it's what I feel in my heart. It feels good and right. Perhaps I could never cheer loudly for those of humanity, but I want to heal this world. Even if it's only just a bit in proportion to everything else."

"Yes. I understand what you mean."

"It's nice to hear. So...you've gotten some free time to chat with me. I assume you've gotten permission from the ladies to step outside?"

"Mm. I did decide on my own to take a tour of the village. Tamaki will surely scold me later, but making time for you is well worth it, Lili."

I smile. "It warms my heart to hear, as always. Thank you for your company."

"Of course. Whenever you need to chat, my door will always be open to you."

"I might hold you to that once this story truly begins." A very different, very modern slice of life within the village. Something that might be hard for others to accept when the time comes. I don't really care if they do accept it or not.

"Tamaki did make lemonade today, along with other snacks."

"Oh, did she?" I ask Hiruzen.

"Yes. Quite a refreshing drink, nice and not too sweet. I have been told to watch my consumption habits these days, since I'm meant to have a long retirement."

"That much is true. Ane-ue did make that request of you, didn't she?"

"Ah, yes. Like it was just the other day." He sighs. "We did do well in defending this home of ours, didn't we?"

"We did. And perhaps one day, we can all find a time to close our eyes to the world and rest."

"Perhaps so."

"Well, I don't want you to get scolded too harshly. When you get back to the office, mention to Miss Kurogane that I requested the pleasure of your company. That should save you a bit of trouble, hmhm." I give him a playful wink.

"I will be sure to do that. Thank you, Lili. Please take care, as always."

"I shall." I turn to face the old man squarely and bow deeply at the waist. "For everything you've done, thank you. What you have done for the village and all of these children is more than admirable. And the things you have done for me, especially...I will cherish them always. Live a long life, if only so that you can see me make your dream a reality, oyaji."

"Thank you, my child."

I raise my head, and he has already disappeared into the day. Smoke lingers around where he once stood before fading away.

"This path stained with blood...towards a peaceful future."

I look out over the barren land again.

"Yes. Not everyone is meant to be remembered as a hero. You would agree, wouldn't you..."

The days pass, with not much going on outside. But where I am, it has been quite busy.

Fio serves as my personal secretary, fetching cups of tea, coffee, and milk for me while shuffling paperwork into piles and handing sheets and books to me whenever I call for them. I bought a sophisticated telephone with a proper speaker and buttons that let me put people on hold, or switch lines back and forth. It's rather convenient.

I didn't think my admiration of Tamaki and Imari could deepen so much, but it has. This is far from easy and they do it every single day, without complaint. They're professional about it, too.

"That should be fine. Will you be attending the opening? Excellent, thank you. Yes, that will be all. Thank you for your call. Goodbye." I switch lines and pick up my pen again. "Good morning, Lilith Kobayashi speaking. Yes, things are well. Lord Hokage has approved your proposal, I hear. You won't be needing more space than discussed, will you? Good, because I have a place where you can easily build an establishment."

And so it goes, from morning until night, for the next four or so days. Finalizing arrangements and agreements, making proper contact with donors and local business owners, and fielding calls about the public event that will be taking place soon. Of course, it's not just Fio and I working on this. The ladies at the office have pitched in - they insisted, of course - along with Nami and her cohorts. Ino has been spreading the news from her shop, and Erika has been organizing security while monitoring the village's pulse on the matter.

The event in question? A public announcement regarding the opening of Magnolia House, and the facilities in the surrounding area. Collectively, I have a cute name for everything together: Carnation Quarter. That should satisfy the more particular types, and possibly distract the other...less empathetic types from the fact that I'm taking in a high amount of what would be called undesirables. Uniforms and related clothing may sell the image better, and provide a sense of unity. I have those on back order as is, and if it works out, I can spend the extra money for customized versions.

Finally, the date arrives.

"Okay. All done."

I finish brushing my hair and shake it out a few times. Today is a warm, yet comfortable summer morning in the Leaf. I want to look composed and a bit professional today, so I've decided on a blouse and skirt combination, both in sky blue. I add a silk scarf around my neck after some more thought. Good, I should be more than ready to take on the world.

A quick snack, then I make sure my purse is stocked with everything essential. Today the wedge heels come out to add a bit of presence. Ino saw some on sale and ordered a few pairs on my behalf the other day, which I appreciated greatly. One last check of the apartment, and I lock up before leaving. Testing the market, there are already quite a few people interested in this home...but it will be a while yet before any transactions are considered. Still, I will miss this place. There are so many memories here...this was the first stop on my journey, after all. Luna's delicious meals, long conversations on the couch with Midori...

"Hm..."

And yet, there will be happier times ahead. A chance to make even more memories, and beautiful ones at that. I will not have a problem moving forward. It's what Luna and Midori would want for me most of all. A life with no regrets.

"Princess."

Two voices call to me in unison. I stop my walk through the village and acknowledge them both with a light nod.

Two women dressed in black, with matching blazers and pencil skirts that have openings on each side. The same green eyes and platinum-coloured hair, tied into braids that sit on their left and right shoulders respectively. Their neatly shaped hair goes down towards their shoulders, with bangs that sweep above their eyes. With how similar they look, it would be hard for most people to figure out who was who, but I can tell them apart just by looking. Even so, there is enough of a tell to memorize.

Sana likes to have her braid sit on her left shoulder. And Sanae likes hers on the right. Beyond that, they have other subtle little quirks. Sana loves to wear perfumes, exotic scents especially. I sent her a set by way of Midori, and she has worn nothing else since. Sanae on the other hand loves to take care of her lips, and enjoyed the lipstick set I sent her. I didn't expect to get into their good graces so quickly, especially since the presents were Midori's suggestion, but I have no complaints about the results. After getting to know them and sharing my future plans, we've all become close. And as Midori told me before, they're very reliable women. Clever, ambitious, and knowledgeable when it comes to many a matter. Little mystery as to why Jakari Programming Corporation is so successful.

"It's wonderful to see you again, ladies. Thank you for you help in all of this."

"It's our pleasure as always, Princess," Sana Jakari says.

"We've come to properly escort you to the ceremony. Will you need anything else before we begin?" Sanae Jakari asks.

"Nothing for now," I say. "By the by, you do smell very lovely today, Sana."

"Thank you, Princess," she says with a smile.

"We're showing off again, aren't we," Sanae says. "I suppose that much is fine..."

"Now, now. You shouldn't tease her. The lipstick you're wearing is quite lovely today, Sanae. It makes you look even more stunning."

Sana allows herself a smug smile as Sanae tries to hide her blush. "Thank you, Princess. I wanted to look my best today, for your sake, of course."

"Yes, of course. I appreciate you both doing your best for me. Well, shall we be off?"

The sisters nod and lead the way towards an open carriage. I take a seat on the plush fabric, and they sit on either side of me before the horse starts to pull us away.

"Things have been progressing neatly in the kingdom, yes?" I ask.

"Yes, new developments have taken place," Sana replies. "We've been looking into motorized transport, both for mass transit and personal uses. A new division at JPC is being created for focus on research, towards the goal of making chakra-based systems."

"The pollution is always a problem with such things," Sanae adds. "We can make do with things like diesel for now, but even that leaves me unnerved. Especially if demand rises for more of these vehicles. I would like for us to curb the market as soon as possible, to avoid as much catastrophe as we can."

"What does Ane-ue think of this?" I ask them.

"She has already prohibited the use of polluting vehicles inside of the kingdom. Also, she wants us to try and eliminate harmful emissions in this world as well. The idea very much pleases her," Sana says. "At our current rate of research and building, with the skill level of our technicians...hm, we should have a complete and working solution within the next two years. Production would then start in year three, and an organized roll out in year four. We will have to thoroughly consult with the kingdom's planners to ensure that these vehicles don't become a virus."

"Yes. Where the world becomes reconfigured to suit them, instead of the other way around."

"Our Empress showed us several existing abominable structures meant only to move these filthy motorized carriages from place to place," Sana says with a disgusted look. "An affront to all living beings. It is a curse towards heaven and a ruthless violation of the Earth."

"Agreed. We cannot allow that sort of thing to taint our lands," Sanae says. "Our plans must be refined to the highest degree of precision."

"Very ambitious of you both."

"Always, milady. It's what we do," Sana says with a smile.

"Of course. Aim ever higher. Plus ultra, as they said in the days of old. Ah, what of your new charge? It's been a while since our chat," I ask in reference to Kabuto.

"He has been focused on biology as always," Sanae says. "But lately he has become quite interested with our work at Jakari Programming. The thought of quantum computing does set his loins aflame, though he tries to hide it. It's cute."

"Mm." Kabuto would have an interest in such things, wouldn't he. Strange child. That much hadn't changed since we last met.

"He's a handsome boy, if a little unbalanced," Sana says.

"Yes. But his genes must be good, at the least," Sanae answers.

I laugh lightly. "So you're interested in that kind of play, are you?"

"Well...it would be a lie to say that the idea of conquest doesn't get me going," Sanae admits. "Sana is the same..."

"Mm, to that end I have more of an interest in...more delicate looking people, of various persuasions. But he's close enough, even with all that extra muscle on him. I'd enjoy the experience."

"We can always share, can't we?"

"Definitely."

"He doesn't have any idea about this, does he?" I ask.

"We've made sure of it," Sana says. "The right time will come soon enough...and by then, well. He won't be able to escape."

"Hmhm. I see. Good luck to both of you, then." Being a father might do that one good in the end. Something about him tells me that he would be good with children. "It seems that we've arrived at last."

The carriage comes to a stop, and we all file out together. Sanae checks my outfit one last time and adjusts my scarf, while Sana attaches a small microphone to my blouse.

"Thank you. Let's begin."

"Yes, Princess," the sisters say together.

Twenty minutes to go, and people are still arriving. The already large crowd is growing, even now.

With the help of shinobi on duty, we head through the area, towards the main stage.