Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 73
"Enduring Scholars"
[Calamitous Ascent, Part 5]

We lost.

Akatsuki has captured another jinchuuriki, and with that the tailed beast that resides inside of them. They have three tailed beasts in their possession now. It means that the organization is another step closer to its goals. And that they possibly have one more weapon if it comes down to a fight against the rest of the world.

I could not protect Utakata or defeat Kai and Ishako. It means that the Hidden Mist is much weaker for it. It also means that the level of danger has increased for the Hidden Leaf.

The current situation has to be assessed. Reports on the mission failure must be sent to the village at the first opportunity. It means we must leave this area as soon as possible.

"We need to have a status check," I say. Hina is worried and Shino is frustrated with himself. "What is your condition, Hina?"

"I..."

"I want you to gather yourself properly, but also realize that we do not have much time. Please worry about me once we get to safety. Shino, please focus. We need you and your expertise."

She sniffles and nods. Shino gives me his attention and nods as well.

"Thank you both. Hina, please report on your condition."

"I should be more than fine. My eyes are not yet strained, and I haven't used much in the way of chakra yet."

"Understood. Please use your Byakugan at its maximum range to survey the area at present."

"Yes."

She has it activate and silently looks out at the area around us. We've come a ways out from land, thanks to chasing Utakata. Ishako somehow knew he would try to come out here. Or perhaps it was an assessment from long ago. It's something to speculate on when we have the time. I don't think Suigetsu knows much more than what he mentioned before.

"There is a small group of shinobi heading towards our current position. They appear to be from the Hidden Mist, and more groups are starting to approach at the edge of my sight. We have a few minutes based on their current speed," Hina says.

"Thank you, Hina. I have several proposals already in mind for what we should do next."

"I veto any decision that asks us to split up," she says.

"My vote is the same," Shino says.

"Alright. Then we will move as a unit from now on. Based on our current position, we should be able to reach territorial waters of Fire Country if we continue on a path west."

"We can't do that. You're in no condition to run at the speed that we would need to," Hina says. "We are much closer to Water Country, and might be able to return to the previous hideaway in order to wait out our pursuers."

"The problem is our new audience," Shino says while looking towards the boat. I tuned out the noise coming from up there earlier, but there are even more people now clambering to get a look at us. "Enough of them know what we look like to provide information to the authorities once they do arrive. I have a suggestion to that end."

"What is it?"

"Between the three of us, we should be able to incapacitate every person on the vessel temporarily, then make our escape across the water. We might also be able to simply commandeer the vessel, or incapacitate the crew alone and impersonate them. My belief is that we have to consider the people aboard, and that we might have been reported already because of the proximity to recent events."

"While I understand your reasoning, knocking them out would make us look extremely suspicious and might put Lord Hokage into a bad situation if they make the connection between us and Utakata's disappearance," Hina argues. "The only figures they've seen thus far are us and the Six Tails on account of the mist covering the area for most of our fight."

"Shino's point about needing to consider the ship in front of us is valid, as is Hina's point about the optics of knocking out so many people in order to make a cleaner getaway," I say. "We don't have much time, so our options are really to climb aboard or run, both of which have the risk of us being sold out. If we have to kill our way out from under the Mist forces, we can always frame it as something Akatsuki did, or at least try to. It gets complicated at that point..."

"Oh. Someone is waving a flag at us," Hina says. "From the ship. Should we see what they want?"

"How much time do we have?" I ask.

"Two, maybe three minutes before the Mist arrives..."

A tough decision. I don't want to admit it, but Hina's right. My body isn't doing great after the earlier stunt and trying to run across to our home country wouldn't be wise. On the other hand, running back towards the Mist might get us in trouble in its own way, since we're not supposed to be there and a trio of shinobi from Leaf running alone on top of the water would be immediately suspicious. And of course, a few dozen people have been watching us stand on top of the eastern sea for a while now.

"Let's see what they want," I say. We jog over to the ship, and the crewman with the flag sets it down to throw a rope ladder over the side. Hina and Shino go first before I jump up and grab hold as the ladder is pulled back up onto the ship.

"I'll guide you up to the bridge," the young man says. He's wearing a rugged sweater and trousers, and uses his muscle effectively enough to keep people at bay as we make our way up top. He shuts the metal door to keep busybodies out, and gestures towards the front of the bridge before giving us a salute.

It's very quiet as everyone in the room looks at us. Understandably nervous, as the handful of travellers capable of combat are on the lower levels. Everyone here is just a normal civilian, very much at our mercy even if we don't mean to have it come across like that.

"Thank you for coming," a man in a long-coat says as he leaves his chair. He looks relatively young for a ship captain, with a neat beard of black hair. The cap on his head gives indication of his leadership at a glance, the weathering on his hands indication of his work and experience.

"We appreciate you having us here," I say. "The three of us are shinobi of the Hidden Leaf, and we've responded to your request for a meeting to try and head off any misunderstandings. I would like to assure you that you and the people on your vessel are not in any danger, even if you've taken any previous actions with that assumption in mind."

"We understand. The reason I sent for you is simple enough. We saw what you did, ma'am."

"Yes."

"Not just the aftermath. It was from the start." He takes a few steps so that he's closer to us. "The mist came about suddenly, and we had no other option than to sail through it. Uncommon thick, as you must have seen from the inside. The brilliant light...and the beast that produced it. I could see it from my window. I thought us all lost at that moment. When we make our journeys through the water like this, with shinobi and tailed beasts all...we come to an understanding, and acceptance of the risks. We know that at any moment, we could be embroiled in chaos, lost to the heartless sea. Nothing left behind for our mourning families, other than memories of days past."

"..."

"You would know this, Madam Shinobi. It must have gone through your head as it did mine. To have us all vanish would be another cruel event in this world of ours, the fault of none and all at the same time, a ruthless paradox. So, then...I have only one question to ask of you."

"What is it?"

"Why make that choice? Knowing all that you know, what drove you in that moment? This path is easily the one of most resistance. Your fellows, your country to consider. Why this decision, of all possible decisions?" he asks.

"It would only make sense, to put my own well being and ambition above that of strangers, especially those who wandered into a chaos that was not of my creation. But I could never forgive myself for doing so. In my heart...I knew. Even if I am only one person, and even if this moment becomes lost like tears in rain, I could not surrender your lives to the cold and heartless sea. With my strength, I wanted to protect all of you. Because I could, and because in this heart of mine, it was the right thing to do."

I place a hand over my heart.

"To protect the people of this world, and the possibility in each of them. No matter what might become of me in the eyes of others. That is my justice."

"..." The captain looks at me for a few moments, thinking. He adjusts his hat and turns to address the room. "I'll need someone to take these three to the medical bay. Guard the door outside. All of you up here, listen well. These shinobi are not on this vessel, no matter what anyone outside this room might tell you. Let them detain you if they must, I will get to you in short order and cover whatever expenses you might need. Understood?"

"Aye, Captain!"

"A few of you will need to head down and spread the word, hopefully we can reach enough of the passengers in time to head off the worst. We don't have any guarantees. Get the cooks to make three full meals on my orders and have them sent up when they're ready. Keep this vessel moving, and if any busybodies from the Mist ask, we're on a tight schedule. They want us to stop, they'll have to bring this thing to a stop with their bare hands. On your feet, lads and lasses."

"Sir, madams. This way to the medicine room." A man with a heavy coat and fuzzy beard leads us down the hall. We go down a flight of stairs and past more sailors towards a room that is stocked with medical equipment and medicine. There are five or so beds with temporary cots in the corners just in case.

"Any of you certified?" he asks while taking off his coat.

"Yes, sir," Hina says. "I've been officially trained in shinobi medicine by the Hidden Leaf."

"Good, good. You wouldn't happen to know of a Tsunade, would you?"

"Lady Tsunade was one of my primary instructors over the past few years, sir."

"Outstanding. Then you don't really need me after all," he says with a chuckle. "But another pair of eyes never hurts."

"My sentiments exactly," she replies with a smile. "We will be under your care for now."

Our medic is both skilled and efficient, working quickly to determine if there are any major problems with us. For the most part, everything is okay. I'm the only one to worry about.

"I'll leave you to do a proper check of your teammate while I head back up. Anything you need, use the radio on the table over there or talk to the fellow posted down the hall." He puts his coat back on and checks his pockets. "You three take care. Many thanks again for your kindness."

He bows for us before heading out, closing the door behind him.

Hina pats my shoulder. "Lili, get into one of those beds for me. Take off your sweater."

"Yes." I do as asked and unzip my sweater before handing it to Shino. The bed feels cool and satisfying against my back as I lie down. Hina sits on a chair next to my bed and looks at my right arm with her Byakugan.

"It's as I saw before. The doctor said that your heart was excited earlier, and that's because of all the stress put onto your body. Your right arm is inflamed because of how agitated your pathways are at the moment. It will calm down on its own, but I can give you something to reduce the discomfort significantly and improve your recovery time. Shino, please go to the cabinet and take out the items as I recite them to you. I think I will have to do a bit of mixing as well."

"How long until I'm cleared?" I ask.

"It will be between two and three days before you are back to normal strength. But a bit longer before you're completely fine. That technique was dangerous, as much as it was incredible to see. Calling you a goddess is more than accurate now."

"You think so."

"I don't think anything. Though I would like it if you didn't do such a thing again."

She calls out the medicines that she needs, and Shino retrieves each of them to set on the table next to us. Hina measures out the doses and gives me a few pills to swallow with some water, then about two or so spoons of essential oils and something to keep down the fever was coming on. I feel better almost immediately. She lightly massages my arm and observes the chakra flow some more.

"What was that technique, anyways?" she asks after a few minutes. "A variation of Mobius?"

"Yes. Lightning Release: Mobius, Type Seven. Code name: Buster Rifle."

"It's almost understated, Boss. Though maybe that was the point of the naming scheme," Shino says as he hands me a glass of water. I slowly sit up to take it.

"Thank you. And I suppose that's part of it, yes. The version I used earlier was modified on the spot for the emergency we were facing. It doesn't cause this kind of exhaustion or pain on its own."

"That's almost unbelievable to hear, considering how much power you put out at once," Hina says. "So how does it normally work, then?"

"Buster Rifle activates a set of routines in my body. One hundred percent of the chakra in my body is allocated to a function. All of my available combat energy is compressed into five segments, meaning that I cannot use any other jutsu as a baseline. It's not impossible, of course."

"Just unwise," Hina points out. "But you're not above doing such things."

"You would know."

"A result of watching you do so many beautiful and reckless acts across the years. Is it any wonder I fell in love with you?"

"Wonder, perhaps not. But wonderful all the same. But yes, normally for that technique, there is a buffer. It's so that I can, at the least, use my remaining chakra to evade attacks or simply leave the area altogether. I have five shots in stock at full power."

"And you used clones on the water...that has an effect on your chakra capacity, then?"

"Yes. Cutting my chakra into thirds means that the distribution changes. Buster Rifle doesn't scale to the chakra level I have at current...I never designed it for use with clones because of the dangers that come with its use in the first place. It means that i would have exactly one shot, and would be unable to use another attack of that kind without dispelling my clones and starting the process again, to align everything properly."

"That means that the emergency form you used would allow you to fire an extra attack, because the usual restrictions were ignored," Shino says.

"That's correct."

"So you were ready to kill yourself to protect us, and those people on the ship."

"Yes."

"I see."

"Do you?"

"More than I can properly say right now, Boss."

"Hm."

"Please continue, I didn't mean to interrupt you."

"It's no trouble." I take a sip of water. "Five total attacks that can be fired from either hand. The ultimate form of course uses both hands, for an even more powerful attack. It's called Twin Buster Rifle. Nothing complicated."

"The truly ridiculous jutsu aside," Hina points out.

"But of course."

"I'm really still having trouble processing what I saw. A tailed beast, firing its most potent attack straight at us. And you, as someone with just a human body...you not only burst right through it, you knocked over the beast itself. Such a vivid sight." Hina leans back in her chair and looks to the ceiling. "You parted the sea itself with the power gathered in your two hands. Such things shouldn't be possible by mortals, especially those who were born outside of the shinobi spheres. When Hashirama captured the tailed beasts, he used a power that has never been seen since, coveted by all those in the shinobi world to the point of grave robbing and base experiments. But you, Lili. My teammate, my best friend, my sister...someone who I've watched grow up next to me. You did...something like that. And I saw it for myself. I can't be anything but awed and filled with wonder and joy and confusion, all at once."

"To challenge the most powerful beings in existence, and stand victorious. It seems I could bear witness to the new age of shinobi, unfolding in front of my eyes," Shino says. "A true fascination, more than anything that could be said of things in this world. Beyond that, a sign of true hope. The views of the future are no longer distant dreams as I understood them before. I think that's what the captain saw before he made those orders to conceal our presence."

"Mm. It must be so," I say.

"Boss. You chose us over the entire world. It wasn't just this ship out in the middle of the sea. You worried about us too, in that moment before you reacted. There were no guarantees that all of us would have made it out in time. I can understand that much."

"Shino. I know that...well..."

"You don't have to worry about anything. I'll stand up for you, Boss."

"I will, too," Hina says. "Even if we failed the mission-"

"You won't do that."

"Lili. Don't you dare-"

"Hina. You have to understand. This is something selfish, but it's also what needs to be done. It's been on my mind for a while now, as it was yours. You know what needs to come of this."

"Are we supposed to stand aside and let you take responsibility for everything?" she argues. "Lili, please be reasonable."

"I am being reasonable. Hina...Shino. In the same way that I am your comrade, I am also your team leader. Everything becomes my responsibility. I'm responsible for your safety and well being, for the mission parameters, for ensuring mission security, and for the actions we all take. Just as any other mission. Furthermore, I won't have you lying or keeping secrets on my behalf, even if you want to protect me. What will you say when Lord Hokage asks what happened? Will you lie to him and say that you encouraged me to do what I did? Will you tell him that you made your own decisions when it came to Utakata? When you tell him that your combat performance was inadequate, who will you say was in charge of managing the situation in its entirety?"

"Lili...you just...you can't put this on yourself all of a sudden. Maybe you are correct, but it doesn't make you right!"

"Boss, you have to let us protect you. It's what a team does. You've done more than enough, you saved our lives. Let us help," Shino pleads.

"You are helping. You've helped me more than I could ever repay. But you each have responsibilities, and I have mine. This was my mission to lead. We were unsuccessful together, but when I led you here, I accepted a great deal of responsibility. Just as you did. I'm going to write the reports like I'm supposed to. I will tell Lord Hokage the truth. And if you are asked, you will do the same. Shino, come here."

He walks to my side, and I take his hand. I take Hina's hand on the other side, as she looks at me sadly.

"I made my choice. I made this choice long ago. I love you both dearly, and my heart is full with happiness, knowing that you want to protect me so badly. But I will not disappear from shame. No matter what happens, or what I have to go through, I will be by your side. As your leader, your comrade, and your beloved friend. I will accept whatever might come, and make amends. And I will continue on my path. I love you more than the village or the country we shed blood for. That will never change. Believe in me, as you've done before. That will be enough to bring me through any crisis. Can you remember that?"

"I can, Boss."

"Yes. I will, Lili."

"Thank you. Everything will be okay. I make this promise to you both. And make sure you rest as well. I'm not the only one that has been exhausted by all of this, I know that for sure."

"Understood, Boss."

"I understand, Lili." Hina sighs and squeezes my hand. "It's just like you...in the midst of everything, to keep worrying for us more than yourself."

"I suppose that's just how I am," I say with a smile. "Terrible as I might be, I can't help but fuss over my loved ones. Selfish and overbearing, maybe. But it's what I know how to do."

"If only the world could get a few moments of such selfishness," she says with a smile.

"A small piece of it already has," Shino says. "The wood beneath our feet is proof." He takes a seat on the bed next to me, hands in his pockets.

"I see. A poetic way to put it, I think." Hina starts to gather the medicine bottles to put away properly. "I wonder what those people outside think of us...or rather, what they think of Lili."

I mean to say something, but it seems I was more tired than I realized. As soon as Hina leaves my side, I fall asleep.

"Do you remember the story from long ago that I told you?"

Momma stands on the lush grass, her back turned to me. I can see her white dress floating in the wind. The blue sky is ahead of us.

"The serpent turned into a rod once more, with the strength given from heaven itself. What was made to move through the earth on its stomach became a symbol, and an instrument of power. It came to part the sea itself, deep and wide. It gave freedom to the oppressed, and hope to the hopeless. A path to the future. A world of possibility."

"..."

"There will be difficulty in the path ahead. Even those who see miracles can be trapped by unbelief moments later. But those first steps to the other side...will open the door to even greater miracles later. And you are more than my child. You are a child of Almighty God, a precious daughter born of my womb. For I was chosen as worthy to bring you here safely."

She raises her hands to the sky, scarlet hair flowing downwards. I cannot see her face, but I can feel the joy radiating from it.

"My love...the great goddess of men. Beloved daughter, and saviour of the world. Dear, sweet child. Claim your title, with the great proof of your power."

And as she turns, I can see the light shining from around her. Her smile, a reflection of heavenly love. A halo of light surrounding her head. The orange eyes I remembered, showering me with praise.

I feel the words before I hear them. Embedded into the core of my being.

My title.

My crown.

"You who are the most holy empress of all shinobi. The pride of my existence. My daughter, and the most precious person I will ever know. Lilith Caroline Kobayashi."

My eyes open slowly.

It should be afternoon by now, according to my internal clock. Checking the time confirms it. Nearly three o' clock.

"Momma."

The dream remains vivid and clear inside of me.

"Those empires who styled themselves as ordained by heaven itself. They could never aspire to this. My power is beyond their understanding, even now. And still it grows."

I look at the seal etched into my left arm. Midori's work, filled with love and compassion. I remember the pain, faintly. What I remember most is her warmth and the way she held me. It was that moment that filled these markings with strength. I clench my fist and the lines ripple with golden light.

"I see. So it's time to start down that road at last. I have obstacles that still need to be cleared...and rivals that I must acknowledge."

I sigh and rub the side of my neck.

"And before that, reports to write. Still more things besides. But all leading to that one point in time."

I find my sandals and secure the straps on them, then my sweater. I zip it up safely and run a hand through my hair.

"The crowning of this shinobi world's greatest mistress. One who will lead her people to glory, and an unbreakable peace. The great and holy shinobi empress, blessed by heaven itself...and by the woman who made me a heavenly flower with her own hands. Lilith Caroline Kobayashi. A most tempestuous serpent."

The creation of a world that will last an age, until the time for its influence is no longer needed. And still I will persist, as a heavenly agent. Change the world with hopes and dreams...no. We are beyond that phase.

We are beyond asking for the world to calm.

"It seems you carry a diligence beyond that of mortal men."

I made a request for a room to write in, and was granted one with surprising speed. Some of the crew are surprised when I ask if this or that is okay; it's either that they're not used to shinobi being polite, or they're shocked that their proclaimed saviour isn't taking more advantage of her situation.

In any case, they've been very accommodating on this ship. It's just that knowing how supplies work at sea, from experience...maybe I am being a bit too cautious. These people would know what they're doing, after all. More than someone wedded to the land as I am.

"The trials of the shinobi contain many facets," I say to our captain as he enters. "Some more mundane than others, it seems. I do find paperwork calming, a rarity in this world as I continue to discover."

"Rare is a good way to put it. I hired an extra man just to take care of it myself," he says with a chuckle. "He's good at keeping the books balanced as well."

"From time to time, you would take on tasks yourself."

"Aye. Keeps the mind sharp, and myself abreast of the ship's goings on. How are you doing?" he asks as he sits down across from me.

"Much better than before. It's hard to tell from here, but I'm trying to take it easy for now. More writing can be done at a later time. And thank you again for giving us room on your ship. It's good fortune that you're on your way to Fire Country. By the by, do we still have visitors inspecting?"

"They'll be tied up for a few hours more at the least, trying to conduct interviews and the like. Last I heard, they haven't gotten much information out of anyone. I suspect they'll want to hurry, the trip back gets longer with each minute."

"Indeed." So they're not making much progress. I wonder...the people down below. Is this solidarity on their part as well? "So do you normally journey through this area?"

"Passenger trips about once or twice a week, more when we can find the work. Good money, and a fine service for people who need a lift back and forth. Many such vessels make the trek across. Some are lost for various reasons...pirates, strange creatures, shinobi, so on and so forth. Uncommon, but things to be aware of. Ah, I realize we've yet to formally introduce ourselves, Madam Shinobi."

"It seems so, but that can easily be forgiven. My name is Lilith Kobayashi, a jounin of the Hidden Leaf. My partners are Hinata Hyuuga and Shino Aburame, both chuunin of the Leaf and teammates for a few years now. We can't say much about our reasons for being in this part of the world, more so than usual."

"More than fine. I'm the captain of this fine vessel, called the Blue Voyager. Tatsuya Tarou, at your service."

"A pleasure and an honour meeting you, Captain Tarou."

"I've heard your name before, in times past. The Scarlet Viper of infamy, are you not?"

"'Tis so. The self-proclaimed terror of the shinobi age."

"More than self with this feat, now. Things beyond that of modern man. Well, now I've seen it for myself. It is a hopeful sign, all things considered. Considering my line of work, it's hard to find shinobi who are agreeable, so to speak."

"They take advantage of their authority."

"Common enough to deal with. Simple, but not something you enjoy. Swallowing bitter medicine and the like. It leads others to unsavoury dealings in order to keep their heads above water, ships maintained, and crews fed. Far from the worst offenders, but..."

"It's more painful with the knowledge that these are supposed to be your protectors," I finish.

Tarou nods. "Aye."

"There is a place for the dark world, as it is now. And it will have its uses in the future. The old bosses can be ground to dust, and the young ones cowed swiftly. Though it's not the promised time yet."

He smiles. "Hoh. Your voice is at odds with the rest of you."

"Common sentiments at this point. You said it was a hopeful sign earlier...what might you mean by that, Captain?"

"It's as I mentioned to you a few hours earlier," he says as he removes his hat. He has a full head of black hair, I note. "Many on the sea, or rather in this world, are given to thinking the worst in times of crisis. Even with those we call guardians, who can eclipse the limits of humanity as they choose. It's easy enough to think of yourself as expendable to others."

"I see."

"It could very well be that you're the only one in this world who would make such a choice. Between us and themselves, or perhaps the secretive mission you were on. Something that provided the most benefit to other people. But in this kind of chaos, it's something. More than we've had before." He grunts and gets up, putting on his hat again. "What was that you said to me...moments lost, like tears in rain."

"I think I heard it in a film, or something of the like."

"It's a good phrase, aye."

"Dramatic enough. But even if moments and mortal shells cease to exist, memories and people don't. Even if they disappear from the world that we live in."

"A world beyond, then. Hm." He turns and waves over his shoulder. "If we never meet again after this journey, we can share an ale and a tale over there."

"Aye." I take another look at my notes before they're gently moved. A plate with hot food is set in front of me.

"Time to eat," Hina says. "You're hungry and you've been working more than I would like."

"Yes, Mother."

"I would tell you to stop being cheeky, but we know how well that works." She puts down a cup of tea and some water. "Open."

"Aah~." I get another spoon of medicine and some pills. Hina gets the glass and pours water for me. She pats my head afterwards.

"Good girl."

"Mm. Say that again for me."

"Since you asked so nicely, no."

"Hm."

Hina puts a fork in my hand, and I go to eat. Rich, hearty food. Meat and vegetables, thick gravy, bread...things that will keep sailors full and energized for hours until the next big meal. Or asleep for all the time they need until their next round of work.

"It's good," I mumble.

"I enjoyed it myself, more than I realized. I'll mention some of the cuisine to Father when we get back."

"I wonder if they have cinnamon rolls here."

"It's a little embarrassing to ask. Especially since it feels like we're imposing."

"I feel the same. But everyone here knows what they're doing, so I think they have more than enough resources to spare on the three of us. At least until we make land, and we shouldn't be able to eat them out of operation before then."

"That's true."

"How are you doing?"

She takes a seat next to me and shrugs slowly.

"Physically, I'm in perfect health. Mentally, I'm quite tired. Between what happened and my worry for you...I know that you said everything will be okay, but still."

"I can't be upset at you for that, Hina. I just want you to be assured that nothing bad will happen to me."

"That you would tell me."

"Behave, love. Hiashi worries over me enough, you would be the first to know if anything like that happened."

"It doesn't stop me from thinking it."

"I know it won't. I'll be fine." I focus on finishing off my meal. Wonderful stuff, and laden with flavour. I'm already memorizing the sensations on my tongue...if I enjoyed it this much, I know Fio will bounce off the walls at the first taste. I miss her. Cuddling with her is one of the first things I want to do when I get back.

"There's a lot on my mind," I say. "The mission is one thing...we really did get outdone by our opponents. And there's an observation that I know you won't like."

"I see. Let me hear it anyways."

"Ishako is a better kunoichi than I am."

"You were right. I don't like that at all. Lili, I know that-"

"No, I don't think you do. Listen to what I'm saying a moment?"

"Of course. Would you explain what you meant by Ishako being a better kunoichi than you?"

I pause to take a sip of my tea.

"It's in the same way that I'm a better shinobi than the Founder. Itachi is as well."

"Mm. You've mentioned this before, I think. Father would find it amusing if he heard that."

"I see."

"Though I already suspect he knows you have such things in mind. Much like Lord Hokage does. But I digress, please continue."

"I'm a better shinobi than Kai is. He's just a lummox in comparison. But he's strong, beyond the bounds of any human or shinobi alike. Maybe with secret arts, he could contend with the tailed beasts on equal footing. Not like what I strain to do. Ishako is better than me. She can leverage her skills and assets so well that it would put anyone on the back foot without help. She can create and change win conditions whenever she likes."

"But...isn't it the case that without her brother..."

"Of course. But Kai is part of her tool set as well. To coordinate with her brother, in such a skilful manner...incest or no, it's impressive and takes a great amount of effort. Reading the battlefield and making use of Kai in the way she does isn't something you can just do without trial and knowledge. The final feint she used to capture Utakata was brilliant, and I hate saying that even if it is the truth. And as for Kai saving the day at the last moment? That's not a mark against her. Sometimes luck and a second set of eyes are what you need in a close battle. Choosing your partner and guiding them to the best positions and outcomes is also a skill, a highly valuable one."

"I think I understand your logic now. I don't entirely agree with it, but I can see what it is you mean."

"Maybe I don't entirely believe it. But it feels like it's the case," I say. "It feels like she can see just a bit further than I can in some moments. I can close the gap with my speed, but not all of the time. Not in times like this, where I have other people to worry about. She's had to do things in ways that I haven't...I can't worry over her routine too much, or what she has that I don't."

It really can't go on like this. I have to figure out a way to crush her, so that something like this doesn't happen again. There are only so many pieces, so many things that she can do as she is. I realize that now.

But it starts with acknowledging her for who she is, and what she is.

"Maybe I didn't completely understand before, but I do now. So she's completely in your sights now," Hina says. "Then it won't end well for her. It never does."

She stands up and kisses my forehead.

"I've never lost faith in you, but I feel a lot calmer now. I guess I have to thank you again."

"I'll figure something out later tonight. Maybe not."

"Yes." She takes away my dish and cups before leaving.

I can remember the way that woman looked at me before disappearing. She knows. She can see it, and it's inside of her mind now. An infinite loop of creeping terror. Knowing that I have the power to erase her existence.

"Ishako...I'm getting closer to your limit. Just once more, and you're mine."

My mind is already swirling with possibilities. I gather up my things and start back to my sleeping quarters.

I just need to rest and be patient. One step back today, ten steps forward tomorrow. This is what I will strive for.

This is how we win.