Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom – ep. 05
"Cheers!"

Waking up is an interesting sort of routine nowadays. It's automatic, like the processes a personal computer goes through after the power button is pressed. The first few times it happened, I was quite perplexed. But gradually, I came to understand what was happening. I didn't just accept it, I started to become fond of it.

It's a hazy sight in front of me, but I've slept well enough. This is one of the fancier suites in the hotel, because luxury is always nice when you can afford it. The curtain of red is something I recognize as my hair, and so I brush it away and let out a proper yawn. My feet swing out of bed and I rise up out of it, then move towards the middle of my room. I do my cycle of stretches and feel my brain start to clear up gradually.

My body moves me to the bathroom, I remove my underwear, and take a warm shower. Scrub and rinse in order. Think about breakfast, and then in another corner of my head I start to plan out my day. Going to see my loved ones as much as I can today. Maybe weights tomorrow? Sounds okay.

Shower's done. Find a nice towel to wrap myself with. Brush my teeth, gargle, rinse. My eyes meet those of the girl in the mirror, and everything snaps into place again. I sigh and roll my shoulders a few times before heading back to the room and picking up the phone.

"Good morning. Yes, I have a request for breakfast, several items. Two eggs, sunny side up. Two slices of cinnamon toast with butter on. One stack of five buttermilk pancakes, syrup on. Two western omelettes. One eight ounce steak, medium. One bowl of wheat square cereal. Two bottles of milk at two percent, one pitcher of whole milk. And one pot of green tea, bags in. No, waiting will not be a problem. I would like these delivered about an hour from now. Yes, of course. I'll be decent by the time you get here. Thank you very much. Bye-bye."

I set down the phone and think. Was that all I wanted?

"Mm. That should be enough for now, honestly. Okay. Time for a run."

I get into one of my tracksuits and grab my key card. Half an hour? Yes, that sounds fine.

With that, I head out.

After my second, more thorough shower of the morning, I make sure to moisturize my skin, and then get changed into my usual outfit for the rest of the day. There's a knocking at the door a few minutes later, and I open it to see two young men carrying my order on trays.

"Leave it in the middle there, please and thank you."

They do so faithfully and head on their way afterwards.

"Here you are, gentlemen. Between us," I say with a smile. They take their tips gratefully with bright eyes and salute me before closing the door. Men can be terribly cute sometimes.

"Finally, breakfast is served. Let's see about the steak...good. I would say that bodes well for everything else. If not, may the heavens protect me...because I'm not stopping halfway through unless I'm about to die. So hungry right now..."

It doesn't take me very long to tear through everything. Many months being spoiled by Luna's cooking makes almost everything else seem lacking by comparison, even this five star experience. But it's far from torture, to be clear. The head chef here does impeccable work, and has continued their streak even through this large order.

"Ah...full, finally."

Mm. But still, I suppose I'll have to use my own skills as much as I can from here on, in order to be properly satisfied. The new house is going to have a gas stove in it, among other modern luxuries. Delightful.

"Midori was right. Nothing beats home cooking...wonder how many new street vendors are around. Or old ones. That butter chicken stand was memorable." I drink down my tea and pour another cup. The phone starts to ring. "That might be my friends from the office. Let's see." I transfer myself to the chair nearby, then pick up the phone that's on the small table beside it.

"Lilith Kobayashi speaking."

"Miss Kobayashi? You have a call from the Hokage's Office," the receptionist says gently.

"Thank you. You may put them through."

"Of course. One moment, please."

I take another sip of tea while I wait.

"Good morning, this is Tamaki Kurogane on behalf of Lord Hokage. Do I have Captain Kobayashi on the line?"

"You do indeed. It's been a while, my darling."

"It certainly has been. Oh, you sound so grown up, too! Since we heard you made it back, we just wanted to check in on you. Did you get any news?"

"Hina filled me in after I went to see her."

"Good. I guess that only leaves the classified content, which we'll go over in person as usual. But you definitely need to come by when you can, your favourite grandfather is longing to see you again."

"I've been thinking of him, too. Send him my love, and assurances that I will be available to sit in his lap again soon enough."

"From what I'm hearing, you'd make him melt into a puddle if you did that."

"Oh, dear. Still up to his habits in his old age, is he?"

"Hasn't slowed down a bit, unfortunately." She sighs. "But if I hated it that much, I would find the door. He's a sweet old man, when he's not making me want to tear his balls off."

"Aw. You're perfect for each other."

"Like egg on rice."

"Is Imari well?" I ask.

"Yep! Just out running errands with Shizune today. Far as big progress goes...Tsunade has been going over the data you and our friend provided a while ago. Nothing to move the needle on that end."

"I see. And he's finished looking after the little one for now, then."

"Yes, from what we've been told. For now, it seems like he's been roaming the countryside running errands, and staying a step ahead of our biggest problem so far."

Itachi...he can take care of himself, clearly. But I don't want to put him in a hard position for too long. There's a play I can make, one that will help ease the pressure on him until we can deal with their surveillance once and for all.

"As for the other issue, the artist we know...things got disrupted on his end."

Sai. I see, Fio and I leaving hampered him. And I can guess that with Karin and Suigetsu doing other things as a result...hm. The time will come to deal with him as well. Actually, it might be more prudent to get rid of him first, so as to give us more space when dealing with Danzo later. We'll need all the room we can get with that old bastard.

"All understood, Tamaki. We'll go over this in person soon enough."

"No rush, either. You should take your time settling back in, since it's been a while. But it's a big relief having you back, Lili. Welcome home."

"Thank you, Tamaki. For that and for calling in...I appreciate you very much."

"Back at you, sweetie. See you soon."

"Yes, until then." She hangs up and I set down the phone. "Okay. So I have a date with the Hokage in a bit. Today, though...since I've done the work I needed to, it's time for me to see my special friend."

I finish the rest of my tea and leave the cup on the table, then freshen up and secure my essentials before leaving the hotel. Another fresh spring day in the Leaf greets me.

"If I remember right, that direction is home. So he's in today...and of course, if things go to plan, that won't be home for too much longer. I can't wait to see his face when that day comes," I say with a smile. "Oh, since it's still early...I'll bring him a treat. Ichiraku is..."

I land lightly in front of my first stop, Ichiraku Ramen. The storefront looks exactly as I left it.

"Good morning," I greet while parting the restaurant banner.

"Good morning, ma'am. Oh, well look at this...Ayame! Come to the front for a moment!"

"On my way, Dad."

"Wow, you've shot up like a tree!" Teuchi says. He hasn't changed a bit since the last time we spoke...I suppose his zeal for life helps keep him young in these times. Lovely to see. "If you have time, I'll make you a few bowls on the house."

"Maybe another time? I had myself a hearty breakfast just now," I say to him. "I wanted to say hello and pick up something for Naruto."

"In that case, you can have this order on me as well. Two bowls for the kid, coming up. Make sure you stop by soon for lunch, though. I want to see if I still have my touch after all these years, and there's no better judge than a loyal customer."

"'Tis an honour, sensei. You'll see me tomorrow afternoon for sure."

"Great."

"Sorry I took so long, Dad. Oh! Lili, is that you?" Ayame asks. She's grown a bit, but hasn't changed much either. Though I won't complain about that, since she's always been a beauty.

"It certainly is. How have you been, Ayame?"

"I've been great. Hold on, let me come over there." She steps from behind the counter and gives me a hug. "You look gorgeous. Has anyone told you that you might set the whole village on fire, looking like that?"

"Frequent reminders, yes."

"I'm a little jealous, but since it's you...I can let it go. Just don't leave us normal girls too far behind."

I laugh. "No promises."

"Darn. Well, it's good to have you home either way. Oh, Dad...let me get that for you." Ayame moves back behind the counter and works the stove for a bit alongside her father. It's nice watching them together, father and daughter...a relationship I know they cherish greatly.

"Shouldn't be too much longer, Lili," Teuchi says to me.

I have a proper seat at the counter. "Take your time. I am quite loathe to rush an artisan at work."

"Heh. You know, the village has been humming along without you, or I suppose thanks to you...but it's not the same, really. And it was really different with both you and Naruto gone."

"How has he been?"

"If I had to explain it...hmm. He's mostly the same, but seems to have come back with something a little extra. You can see it in his eyes, it's just not as intense as yours. Does that make sense?"

I nod. "Perfectly so. I'm going to see for myself, since he's home today."

"You can tell from here?"

"It's not too difficult in relaxed situations like this. Extending the reach of my supplementary arts was one of the things I worked on the hardest while away."

"I see, I see..."

"Did you hear about Miss Kurenai?" Ayame asks me.

"If it's what I've been hearing, then I guess it's finally happened. Those two really couldn't keep their hands off each other, huh..."

"Everyone knows how much she likes to hit the gym, so the moment she started showing, there was gossip everywhere. It was crazy."

"Pregnant women like to eat," Teuchi says.

"Might want to hold off on that, Dad. Unless you're thinking of putting marmalade on top of our seaweed ramen."

Teuchi pales. "You must be joking."

"At least that's edible food...somewhat."

"Huh?"

I nod along. "Some have been known to desire non-foodstuffs..."

"It's been about two decades, Dad. I bet you repressed those memories," Ayame says with a smile.

"And for good reason. If I think about that too much, I'll lose the will to cook..." Teuchi shakes his head. "I'm getting a straitjacket for the first person who asks me to use dirt as a topping."

Ayame and I share a laugh at that.

With my order of ramen secured, I head off to see Naruto at last. Teuchi said he was thinking of selling cup ramen in the future, as a side business...hm. I wouldn't mind helping out with that. If he can pack even half of the flavour into them from his fresh bowls, it will be incredibly popular everywhere.

I hop up towards Naruto's apartment and float down in front of the door gracefully.

"I'm here. Okay...try not to get too excited, Lili."

My free hand knocks on the door three times.

"Yo! Be right there!"

I hear a chair slide across the floor and heavy footsteps.

"Mornin'. What's happening...eh?" Naruto opens up the door, and I get a good look at him for the first time. He's gotten a fair bit taller, and looks stronger than before. It also looks like he's picked up a new outfit, in the same style as before. The blue parts of his old outfit are now a solid black – the sleeves, shoulders, and collar, as well as a long strip down the middle of his jacket. Everything else is the same orange as I remembered. It's fitting, in a lot of ways...

"Good morning, my love."

"Lili...? You're...uh, you've got a bag and everything. Come in, you can set it on the table..."

"Thank you." I walk inside and take off my sandals, then set the ramen down gently. A quick glance reveals that there are a few more plants around the apartment than before, and that they've all been well taken care of. Hina was looking after them and everything else while Naruto was gone, and Sakura helped on occasion.

"You finished putting everything down?" he asks.

"I am. So-"

He runs forward and smothers me in a hug. There's that familiar feeling, yes...a sweet, wonderful warmth that fills my core, as it always does. Different from when I'm with Rose, or Midori, or Hina, but equally as wonderful.

"I missed you so much..."

I close my eyes, gently pressing one hand on his back and the other into his soft head of hair.

"I missed you too. It's so wonderful to see you again, Naruto."

He slowly pulls away from me and sniffles, while I open my eyes. "Didn't think I'd get so emotional...heh. I was thinking of you a lot, but I guess I didn't know how bad it was until now."

"Don't worry, I felt the same thing."

"Yeah? That makes me feel even better, then. You're uh...like...whoa, you know?"

"Hm. I'm not sure what you mean by that," I tease. "Mind being specific?"

"This is definitely some kind of harassment. It's gotta be, right?" He sighs and turns his blushing face away from mine. "You and Hinata are the same...you're both...ya know. Really sexy, and stuff. Is that good enough?"

"Hmm...for now, I suppose. You get a pass today, since I'm in such a good mood."

"Thanks. And well...I guess since you're already up to your tricks, I might as well show it to you now."

"Something for me?"

"I think I got that jutsu down. Pervy Sage was on my butt about using it in exchange for training...you know how he is."

"Unfortunately," I mutter.

"Well, guess what?" he says, brightening considerably. "I've been holding something in reserve, exclusively for my best friend in the whole world!"

"Really?" I perk up at that.

"I drew on plenty of inspiration, ya know. You were definitely one of those sources for sure! Maybe even the biggest one! So, uh...don't tell anyone, okay? It's for you and you alone."

"That's really sweet of you, Naruto. Alright...whenever you're ready."

"Yep! Here we go!" He puts his hands together and makes the ram seal. "Introducing...the Super Elite Sexy Technique!"

"..."

The smoke clears quickly enough, and I can get a good look at this offering. It's...wow.

He really has grown beyond expectations.

"Hehe~! So? Does this work well enough for your tastes, darling?"

Even the voice he chose for this one is top level...maybe I'm biased because I hear a bit of myself in there, but still.

And all of this was just for me. Dare I say it...but something like this is truly a blessing, for all that it means to me.

"I am very impressed," I say sincerely. "Extremely well done. Most people would make the mistake of going bigger, or showing off the least amount possible...but you've pulled it off perfectly. You are going to keep improving this one, yes?"

"After getting this reaction out of you? You bet I am!" Naruto transforms back, and I try to steady my racing heart a bit. Certainly something, how much of a direct strike that was...luckily, I've been honing my self control while away along with everything else.

"You had better not use that on anyone else you know. You'll kill them for sure," I say with a smile.

"No way. That good?"

I nod. "That good. A true work of art. Thank you, Naruto...I can tell how fondly you think of me from that alone."

He rubs his head with a sheepish smile. "Shucks. I did say that I used you as inspiration, so...I wouldn't have been able to do it without you, and all the love you've given me."

"If anyone could hear us talking, they'd call us crazy, you know. Gushing about lewd ninjutsu and declaring our love for each other over it," I say with a laugh. "But even without all that, I'll love you forever, Naruto. I'm so glad that you chose to be my friend."

"I think I'm the happier one, Lili. Thanks so much for everything, and I love you, too."

We give each other another hug.

"Also, we don't want to let that ramen get too cold, since you brought it over and all, right?"

"Right." I rub his head as we separate again. "Both bowls are yours. I'm still working off my breakfast from earlier."

"Thanks!"

"Anything to drink?"

"Water's okay. I got some fancy cocoa if you wanted some, and tea on one of the shelves. Milk's in the fridge, too."

"Mm...I'll just have a glass of water myself. Ice in yours?"

"Yes, please."

I reach into the freezer and pop out a few ice cubes from the tray, then toss them into our glasses. A quick fill from the tap, and we're done. Naruto breaks apart his chopsticks and says a short prayer before digging into his first bowl.

"That's the good stuff. I don't have Ichiraku's so early usually, so it always tastes different..."

"Snuck in an afternoon run lately?" I ask.

"Haven't been able to, usually too busy once the academy kids get out, and with their parents too. Prices are good if you do get in, though." He slurps up a few more noodles, then takes a sip of water.

"Lots of stories from your trip, hopefully."

"Tons. And Pervy Sage was going over his philosophy and all that...he's really interested in getting us towards a peaceful world in the future. If he doesn't get there, then he's hoping that I'll carry the torch for him. We'll have to see...there's still a lot that I don't understand."

"You'll get it one day soon," I assure him.

"I hope so. Hmm...though as far you two are concerned, it might be that old thing between snakes and toads?"

"I think it runs a bit deeper than that," I say before drinking from my glass. "Fundamental differences in ideology."

"Stuff like that, eh...hm."

"Don't worry too much about it for now. We can figure everything out together," I say with a smile.

"Yep!" Naruto quickly finishes his first bowl and feels at the second. "Still plenty warm. Alright, I'll tell you about our first big stop a few years back. So like, Pervy Sage was getting led along by this lady, like he always does, and we ended up at another one of those gambling houses..."

Seeing as my new home isn't complete yet, it means I will have to wait just a bit longer to give Naruto his surprise. I hint at it and he seems excited enough, but definitely more restrained than he used to be. It's nice to see that he's growing a bit. Not too much, though. That boyish spirit is a big part of his charm.

"Guess I'll see you again in a bit, yeah?"

"Yes, certainly. Take care, my love. It was so good seeing you again," I say as I step outside once more.

"You too, Lili."

We share one more warm hug before exchanging waves. The door closes behind me and I jump into the day, floating towards one of the nearby rooftops before bouncing off again. It's just past noon, and my stomach feels much lighter than before. Lunch might be good soon.

"Wonder what I should eat...I promised Teuchi a date tomorrow, so I'm going to make sure that my stomach is empty...oh, look who it is down there. Seems he made it back early."

I take a good leap and sail through the air, landing on the street a fair distance from my target. He's posted himself against a tree this time, looking out at the world as per usual. Even more mysterious than before, eh...he's preoccupied with something at the moment, it seems.

"Hmm."

His forehead protector has changed to black now, first off. Another jacket with a hood to go over the one he's wearing, both in black also, with the top coat being a touch lighter than the bottom one. The collar he's used to is definitely bigger, too. That's just like him. A new, sturdier pair of black glasses – he must have gotten annoyed with having to adjust them so often, hence the new style that makes them look a bit closer to goggles. There's a satchel on his back, which I can sense has more insects inside of it. Increasing his carrying capacity, then. Hm. I have to wonder...can people even recognize him like that? Obviously I can, but it must have been a shock to some others.

"Shino! Did you get it for me?"

"I did. Sorry for the wait."

A young woman who I don't immediately recognize sprints up to Shino. Her silky smooth hair is cut to her shoulders, and her forehead protector is tucked safely underneath in its headband form. Dark shorts paired with netted stockings, showing off her legs. The arms aren't bad either, and she has solid sleeves covering her elbows. The green blouse she's wearing looks fancy, too. Though I suppose those are affordable enough on a chuunin's pay, as evidenced by the vest...eh. Wait a second.

"That's...Futaba, isn't it?"

Futaba Azuma, yes. From the way she's behaving, she and Shino have gotten quite close. Well, good for her. I'm glad to see it, especially after all of that nonsense earlier. Interesting how she's filled out, though...mm. Not bad.

"Miss Kiko and I are having tea tomorrow, so you might see me then. If not, I'll give you a call. Thanks for this, honey."

"Any time. I'll see you soon."

She smiles and blows him a kiss before taking off again. I could have greeted them both there, but I want Shino to myself for now. It's been a few years, after all.

"Shino, my love."

"Hm?" He turns to face me as I approach. "Boss...is that really you?"

"In the flesh, yes. I spotted you from across the way and just had to say hello in person."

"I'm glad you did...some information did filter through that you were around, but I wondered if you were busy readjusting to the village and its affairs-"

I cut him off with a hug.

"You're as silly as ever. I always have time for my loved ones...especially someone who has been so loyal to me from the start."

"Welcome home, Lili." I feel him hug me back.

"Thank you."

I smile and pat him on the shoulders as we separate. He tilts his head slightly to look me over.

"You look quite inviting to the eye in this form, to say the least."

"So I've been told, hmhm. What do you think about the look, too much?" I smile and twirl around once, flipping my hair gently.

"It's quite fitting, Boss. I couldn't imagine you any other way."

"I do love it when you stroke my ego, Shino."

"Of course, Boss." I can tell he's smiling beneath that big collar of his. "Were you coming from the Hokage's Office, by chance?"

"No, no. I went to see Naruto earlier. Hina, Hanabi, and Neji were first, followed by Iruka. Tamaki gave me a call, so I'm set to go there soon enough...more than a few visits to be made, but I should have plenty of time as it is. That was Futaba I saw earlier, wasn't it? I take it you're an item now?"

"Somehow, we are. She's been very patient with me, since...you know."

"I know a lot, and I also know that you're an amazing person. Congratulations to you both, I'm so happy!" I give him another hug.

"Thanks, Boss. We've been getting along pretty well...we're both happy as we are."

"I love to hear it. So, what did she stop by for all of a sudden?"

"She asked me to pick up a piece of equipment that she forgot, so we met up briefly to make the exchange." He pauses. "Naruto, eh. Compared to you, he's..."

"Eh? What happened?" I ask, concerned.

"I know it had been a while, but...people should try to remember their friends. Why? Because it hurts the other person's feelings badly if they don't."

"..."

Well, Naruto would be thick enough to forget Shino. I don't know how anyone can miss this kind of guy in the first place, but this is a world of mystery and intrigue at times.

"So...how did he figure it out?" I ask.

"My supposedly annoying way of speaking."

"Ah."

"You agree with him?"

"It is a bit annoying, you have to admit."

"Hrm."

"I like it, though. It's comforting to hear you chip away at other people's statements, and interrogate them at opportune times."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"Is it working?" I ask.

He puts his hands in his pockets and huffs quietly. "A little."

"Heh. I should pester you about Futaba some more, but it can wait until later...have you talked to Kurenai recently?"

"Last week. She's still on leave...I take it you found out about her pregnancy already."

"Pretty much. How far along is she?"

"It will be eight months starting next week."

I let out a low whistle. "Not even a year and a half, eh. So much for restraint."

"My sentiments are the same...although unexpressed." He coughs. "Pregnant women are rumoured to experience increases in strength while enraged. It's a defence mechanism."

"Against who or what?" I ask.

He shrugs, and I roll my eyes at him.

"Indulging in old wives' tales yet again, are we. Well, let's go and see her. She can try and use her newfound monstrous strength on me after I bully her a bit. Banter is fun, but sometimes you just want target practice."

Shino chuckles as we start our walk. "You really haven't changed too much. Good to have you back, Boss."

"It's good to be back, darling."

Something riding on the currents at speed...I look up to see a hawk soaring through the sky. Express message?

"From the southwest, then..."

"Everything okay, Boss?"

I have a strange feeling coming on. And one of the things I've learned while training with Midori is to keep myself on high alert whenever those feelings do appear.

"I have a better idea of my luck these days, believe it or not. We'll need to take a rain check on this home visit."

"Did something happen?"

"It's about to," I say with a frown. I pat Shino on the shoulder and start towards the Academy complex. "Give Kurenai my love, Shino. I'll see you soon."

"Right. See you then, Boss."

That steady rumbling continues, as the hawk shoots towards the Leaf Aviary.