Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 80
"Advanced Pharmacology"
[Prescribed Burn, Part 1]
"I don't know if this is a great opportunity, or the worst thing to happen at the worst time."
Sitting on his couch, Asuma shakes his head. Kurenai sighs wearily.
Mirai babbles away in my arms as I hold her. It's a day after my return to the village. The Hokage reported everything that happened at the meeting, leaving out the very tense portion where Oonoki tested our resolve. The only thing that everyone knows is that we had an agreement before it fell apart at the last moment.
The Leaf has turned into something that would make a beehive jealous. Everyone is scrambling to get ready for the now very high possibility of national conflict. Or the worst case scenario, now in range: a fourth Shinobi World War.
Preparations for rationing, allocation of war funds and materials. Checking over shelters and ensuring the security of evacuation points. Shoring up defences around the Fire Daimyo's estate. Making sure reservists are available and combat ready. The plan is to activate only those of chuunin rank or above, but we know what happens often with these plans. The children will be briefed dependent on the results out of the summit.
"The Tsuchikage didn't have much room to operate, all things told. We should have figured that his own team of warhawks would interfere," I say. "Maybe it was naivete on our parts, but at least we tried."
"And that's all anyone could ask," Kurenai says. "Really. I know how you get down on yourself when it comes to these things, but you did what you could do. This was probably going to be it either way if the other countries found out."
"Yeah, Cloud's not real big on alliances that aren't with them. Even if they burned bridges all that time ago. I bet the last agreement we had with them is cork board by now," Asuma says.
"I think it's just a handshake at the moment, according to the ladies at the office," I say
"That tracks. Well, at least the old man will have you next to him when he heads out. Are you gonna be fine, Lili? You've been doing plenty of back and forth stuff since you finished your sea adventure. A week or two of rest isn't all that much in the grand scheme of things."
"He's right. You really need to take it a bit easier," Kurenai says with worry. "I'm not expecting you to collapse, but there's probably a lot on your mind right now."
"There is, yes. I'll be honest and say that I was stubborn enough that the old man had to spend a while scolding me before our trip back," I say. I rub Mirai's back so that she can burp properly. "But there are still things to take care of, urgent and clandestine ones that will ensure our safety and security."
"Lili..."
"I know that it sounds unhealthy."
"It is, or at least it's getting there. But I understand. You have things you need to do, beyond all of us. I'm going to trust you. Just promise me you'll make time for dinner with us, okay?"
"Another joint team meal, at the usual place," Asuma says with a smile. "Been a while since we had the band together in one spot."
"When I'm finished with this task, I promise that I will take as long a rest as I can before the summit," I say to them.
"I can live with that," Kurenai says. "Thank you, Lili."
"Speaking of the big bash, any ideas on who the old man is going to pick for his second?" Asuma asks. "Probably Erika, if anyone. I'm assuming the limit will be two bodyguards."
"If I have as much influence on his decision as I think, I'll suggest Hina."
"Hell of a pick."
"There are practical and sentimental reasons to choose her. Synergy aside, of course. Erika is a perfect partner, but Hina of course is more perfect for me than even that high bar. We even have a special combination jutsu that would sink just about any opponent in our path, save for an immortal. Last I checked, that description matches none of the Five Kage, and Akatsuki is in short supply."
"There you go, scheming at full speed again," Kurenai groans. "If Mirai becomes a workaholic like you, I'll make sure you never hear the end of it."
"I hardly hear the end of it now," I mutter.
"I can hear you, snake girl."
"Maintaining that level of hearing at your age is a sign of good health..."
Asuma chuckles and pats Kurenai on the shoulder as she utters threats at me quietly.
"Rest assured, I'll be alright. We all will be. I'll do my best to take in everyone's advice. Because as I learned a few days ago...I am the future of shinobi."
I look down at Mirai as she grabs onto my sweater with her tiny hands.
"And I'll open the door to possibility for all of my loved ones. So that their future is as beautiful as it can possibly be. I am she who reaches into the sky, and below the earth...a beautiful pillar of this world."
Days grow shorter and cooler. Hard to believe that it's only been a few months since coming back from my sister's kingdom in the spring. It feels like it's been at least a year, maybe two.
With all my moving back and forth, going out of the village for missions and the like, I haven't had much opportunity to observe the changes as autumn arrives. Summer was very much a blur. There is a lot to deal with. A lot that I want to change. More obstacles.
If my friends and loved ones don't think I trust them enough, I can't be upset with that assessment. I mean well, all of the time. I try not to exclude them. I know they understand, and don't press me too much unless it's needed. They cover me in praise and glory when they can, and it means a lot. It helps me to keep going, not out of some latent craving for attention, but because love and encouragement really is power, and those people in my life would know that better than anyone. They've seen it all in action, experienced it in times of trouble. To give that same love back only makes sense, and so I shower them with all of the affection that I can.
Fio was waiting for me as I got back to the hotel, my familiar and temporary home. We kissed and snuggled and took a bubbly bath together. I let her play with my hair while I told her everything that happened, including the more secretive parts. My other half deserves everything.
She understood it all. Understood what Oonoki wanted, what he was going through. The implications, the choices that had to be made. Her brightness and cheer often causes her wisdom to be understated by most. But of course, I know better. It's because she understands so much that she leaves me to think by myself.
"Grab yourself a coffee and find a quiet place to sit. That's all you need for today. Tomorrow you can tackle the important stuff."
Two pats on the back before she heads out. Nothing other than that.
She sees a lot.
I pick out a white wool sweater from its space on the closet shelf. A good, if faded pair of jeans. Casual wooden sandals. Essentials hidden in my sleeves and attached to small holsters.
I don't need anything else today. I head out.
There are a few mobile coffee vendors out as I walk, and I sniff out the best ones from afar. This one coming up smells heavenly.
"Here you go, ma'am. On the house, I insist. It's an honour serving a Leaf hero," he says.
"Thank you." I take out a blank card and sign it before passing it to the vendor. He bows gratefully and waves as I leave.
I walk a few metres before finding an empty wood bench. The back is visibly weathered. I sit and lean back, my feet against the dirt. The grass is cleared away in two relatively small spots. The village and its people move while I hold the cup in my hands, steam flowing upwards from the single opening. The scent is comforting on its own. Finely ground beans, wisps of sweetness.
I finally relax.
Awareness, without attention. I feel calm, for the first time in a while. Thoughts go through my head without being consuming or of concern. Tomorrow. It's another day. And if it's not the case, then there was nothing I could do to change that.
It's very easy to become concerned with your performance, when things keep escalating. Thinking that you might not be good enough. Wondering about what might be, because there are too many things that can disable or kill you in the world. Many things, much in the way of darkness and death. It's not impossible to do better or be better, but it becomes more difficult.
Hiruzen spoke of rivers. The mightiest ones started off smaller than they are now. Perhaps not tiny streams like people would imagine for motivational purposes. But moving paths of water. They changed the land in their own time, eroded rock, carved out varying paths. Water cycling upwards and downwards constantly, allowing the river to grow and widen. More speed, more power. Depending on the state of the land and its slope, perhaps more meandering curves.
Right. I don't have anything to worry about. It won't take as long as a river to emerge, but I'll find my own path, and provide for everyone that needs it.
"Hm. There's always a lot."
Always is, somehow. I take a sip of my coffee. Just as delicious as I thought it would be.
"Good."
So, what next? There's obviously the Kage Summit. Things to do with Akatsuki, specifically Pain at this moment and Obito later on to truly put an end to things. Kai and Ishako are tough obstacles, but just travellers through this world in the end. They've embraced little other than their own madness. Keeping the world intact, changing the village I live in, and then revolution. And everything will lay itself out from there.
I take another sip of coffee and look out into the day. Things feel more organised now. I'm not worrying as much about keeping up right now.
"Shinobi seek hope as well. They're just not sure where to find it."
Oonoki is a stubborn, miserable old man. Kurotsuchi is incredibly smug and full of herself.
Maybe I can change the hearts of those who ended up forsaking themselves, just to keep going in this world. I don't have to do this alone. But...
"Hm."
I also don't think that they'll all see the light before it's too late, or will be present even if their hearts are changed. And those who stand as their reflections in the world of politics, the daimyo...they're beyond all of that. None of them would choose to take on the shinobi's pain, in order to reach true understanding. So the decision is made. I'll gather my strength to fight, and bring the rulers of this world to heel.
"That's all settled."
It's far enough away, but I don't want to be unprepared in the slightest. Seeds planted now will grow into great trees at the promised time. Just as the old man hoped for me.
"Didn't think I'd see you taking it easy."
I turn my focus to the person who I already noticed approaching.
"Iruka. It's nice to see you, have you been well?"
"Yep. Tomo and I are sharing the latest sets of work. She's really coming into her own, a little more confident, too. I'm sure I have you to thank."
"It's a good guess. Did you want a cup of coffee?" I ask.
"I'm on the move myself, I was going to get something at the cafeteria. Makes the most sense, right? Just couldn't pass up an opportunity to say hi. And before you start, it's fine. Everyone is busy these days and you're one of Lord Hokage's most trusted people. Moments like these are good enough."
"If you're sure."
"I am. And I'm seriously happy that you're taking time to just space out and breathe some fresh air. The place is going crazy ever since we got word of the summit happening soon."
"It is, yes. This period of rest wasn't entirely my idea. Fio convinced me."
"Good for her. She'll make a great wife for you, for a lot of reasons."
"I'm very blessed to have her. Something I won't ever forget." I look up at Iruka. "All of the kindness in this life...has come back to us in their own ways. When I came into this village, I never thought I would be where I've ended up now. Nothing even close to it. I owe you so much."
"You've paid me back already by growing into such a fine woman," he says with a smile.
"Hmm. I'm glad that I'm your type, but unfortunately I've no experience with men just yet."
"As always, you say too much for both of us."
"Naturally. I'll let you be on your way...I'll be here for a while longer, which I hope pleases you."
"Sure does." He pats my head gently. "See you soon, Miss Kobayashi."
"Of course, Iruka-sensei."
He nods and heads off towards the Academy Complex, no doubt ready for a full day of work. At least he has some good help.
I lean back into my seat again, and take a few more sips of coffee. Life continues on in the village. People pass on the nearby paths, some pausing to steal an extra glance at me for their own reasons. That comes with being a celebrity. And being naturally attractive, I suppose.
I pout a bit. How the hell was I supposed to know that becoming a hero would cause a bunch of idiot shinobi to panic all of a sudden? Can barely win for trying...the civilian populace adores me, while the shinobi nations see me as an existential threat, more than ever. I was planning on striking terror into the hearts of man and beast alike, yes, but not with such a troublesome movement of the globe. Much as it would be fun to spill blood with impunity in a global war, I don't want my friends and loved ones to be caught up in such a thing. I can't be that selfish.
Well, whatever. I'll deal with that when the time comes.
"I should get another cup of coffee when I'm finished this one. Hopefully it isn't weird after I gave that man my autograph. And I'm paying for this one no matter what he says."
Somehow I was cajoled into another free coffee.
After a day of sipping hot drinks and staring into nothingness, I head home for the evening. Fio is downstairs lifting weights. I go ahead and order a big dinner for both of us. The hotel staff are more than familiar with our needs, and quickly get everything down before starting their work.
"Whew. Hey, honey."
"Welcome back." I give her a kiss as she comes in. "Working hard today, I see."
"Got into the zone and didn't want to waste the opportunity." Her breathing is a bit heavy, with her shirt drenched in sweat. I can see her athletic bra through the fabric, along with some of the beautiful muscle she's built up. "You know how it is, yeah?"
"Definitely. I just ordered food for us, so take a shower while I set up."
"Got it."
She heads to the bathroom and I clear the dining table of papers and instruments. I find some of the freshly stocked tea and start to brew a pot for us. The staff only comes around to do so much on our behalf, and we keep anything of secrecy or importance sealed in easily missed places so that they don't have to worry about stumbling onto anything they aren't meant to see.
At the first knock on the door, I head over and open it up for the staff. Two large trays laden with all kinds of food. The drinks are carried separately, and we load them onto the table. I send them off with the usual gratuity and close the door.
Fio shrugs on a plaid shirt over her boy shorts as she returns. Her messy hair spills over her face as she yawns.
"Oi. What a day."
"Indeed." I clear some of the hair from her face as she sits. "So it was just working out all day for you?"
"Mostly. Felt like I needed to clear my head some."
"Following your own advice, then."
"Yep." She takes one of the ramen bowls on the table and stirs it up with her chopsticks. "Seems like your day went well, too."
"Very well. Your advice was golden, as always."
"Always try my best when it comes to you." She slurps up some noodles. "Damn, that's nice. We need to hit up Ichiraku again soon."
"Sensei has probably been worrying about me again."
"Yeah. Teuchi's quite a guy. Awesome behind the counter and in front of it."
"My thoughts exactly. Asuma is inviting the old Team Eight and Ten out to eat again. Yakiniku Q."
"Nice. You told me about your first meet up, and how you griefed Shikamaru until he stopped being a prissy bitch."
"It was more fun than I thought it would be. And now, I have a new work hubby," I say before chewing on a piece of sushi.
"Finally got him, eh. Good for us."
"Mm-hm."
"So you got your head clear, like I hoped. All of this stuff takes a toll on you, in different ways. I know how much you worry, even if you don't mean to. Just have to look after yourself."
"Trying to."
She finishes her ramen and sets the bowl down, reaching for the cup of juice nearby. "Old habits really do die hard, hon. How long has it been, five, six years now? Most people are immersed in the environment from the day they're born, so they absorb things a lot better. Don't stress too much."
"Mm."
"What's on the agenda next, now that you've loosened up a bit?"
I set down my sushi tray as I finish and pour a cup of tea. "Itachi needs to be a free agent for the summit coming up. He's spent a lot of time and energy dealing with surveillance from Obito and Zetsu."
"The freaky plant guy, eh. Sounds like a real pain in the ass...so this is related to your whole plan where you're trying to get people to believe you and Itachi are a thing, right?"
"Right." I put a half spoon of sugar into my tea and stir briefly. "Last I heard, it was going well. I have to check in with Itachi before we put anything into motion, but I want to do it as soon as possible. I've already scouted locations while coming back from earlier missions, and have a few good ones in mind. Itachi gave me some information on his abilities...some of it will be guesswork, but it's better than going in blind."
"Hm. It's not a do or die thing, is it?"
"Not truly. I suppose if he gets away and reports to Obito or Pain, we might see an escalation. But that would play more into our hands than theirs, what with Akatsuki now actively attacking active shinobi instead of the supposedly less than human jinchuuriki. If you remember what I told you, the men behind the scenes in Sand were only willing to go so far before declaring Gaara lost."
"Man."
"Perhaps they had a premonition that the other villages would be weakened enough in their own ways that it wouldn't matter too much. That's the only thing that makes sense to me, foolish as it is. Speaking of jinchuuriki...did we get any calls from the home builders I mentioned a while ago?"
"Yeah, it was two days before you got back. They finished their survey and said they were good to go, so I forwarded the payment and the signed documents."
"Did they give a new estimate?"
"One month absent changes is what they said."
"Good. That should be a fine place for Fuu to lay her head every so often. If she wants to stay permanently, that will be just fine as well. The place is going to be very easy to maintain, and she can rely on traditional methods of living if she wants to make it even easier on herself."
"It sounds awesome. I was thinking we should do that, live out in the woods and stuff, but we're gonna be inside the village for a couple of decades for obvious reasons."
"I need to show you the inside of the Hokage's Mansion," I say. "You'll think three times before wanting to live out in the woods."
"No kidding. Heh, then we'll make time for a tour."
"Definitely." I sip some of my tea. "Getting back to earlier. We want to get rid of Zetsu as soon as we can because he's annoying and can be in too many places at once. I didn't sense him at the recent meeting and Itachi has been actively misdirecting him, so we're fine for now. But as the stakes rise and plans become more complex, there will be more openings for him to slip through and cause unmitigated chaos."
"Like the summit coming up."
"Exactly. Itachi and I are going to work together to take him out, once and for all."
"What about the barrier over the Leaf? Couldn't you get him that way?"
"We could, but he's aware of that. The only way he could get in is by closely shadowing Itachi, or somehow getting the access code from one of our shinobi. Both are highly unlikely. The barrier covers below the village as well, making it a sphere instead of a dome as assumed. And there are very few who know about the barrier's existence, let alone its function."
"Yeah, it's really cool stuff."
"I suppose the only known flaw to exploit would be the existence of genetic clones. The barrier registry currently doesn't respect the status of the person entering it. That and maybe the detection speed. But Tamaki and Imari have already been working on improvements and automation with the help of the Yamanaka, who manage the barrier groups and have a majority of the membership."
"Cool. So people don't have to know ninjutsu and stuff to be covered."
"That's correct."
"But Obito can walk in any time he wants, which is the bad part."
"Also correct," I say. "The barrier detects those that enter into the vicinity, and their location is noted and recorded. The sensors quickly look after the chakra type, the level of same, and assess whether it's a threat or not based on the information they receive. If there is a problem, a team of shinobi is sent to intercept. There are a great many people in this village, shinobi and civilians alike. It is currently beyond our scope to track and manage every person that is here, leaves, or returns. That's why the registry is additional in function, for example. If someone manages to evade the leading edge of the barrier, which is the detection portion that is as invisible and imperceptible as the rest of it, then they can enter and exit the village as often as they please."
"I see, I see." Fio nods. "So the next step would be to have an active registry of everyone in the Leaf, mostly likely automatic and attached to some sort of database. Computers and stuff. Someone ends up inside of the village, their chakra signature gets picked up, gets checked against a list, and if they're okay then nothing happens. If they're not, then the computer makes loud noises or something and someone checks on it, then looks for the person. That about it?"
"Yes. Though I suppose people would call it unsavoury, that level of detailed surveillance. I honestly hope that we won't have to go that far, or do it for long...but there are a lot of benefits to it as well, I believe."
"You'd be able to find people real fast, or get them help if they need it. Maybe even stop bad stuff from happening. Could use that level of tracking to fix social problems, or living conditions. Lots of stuff. Doesn't have to be all bad, and living in a hidden village means that your privacy already isn't guaranteed. Still, that doesn't mean you have to give up so much of it, so I get it," Fio says.
"Balancing things like that is difficult, but only because of political meddling."
"Seems like that's the first thing to take care of. Hm...a little more clear why we might not worry too much about democratic practice when the time comes. Pols tend to get in the way more often than they help."
"It's why I'm not worried about being called a tyrant," I say as I pull the basket of curly fries to me. "We've had decades, maybe centuries in a sense, to do things the slow and steady way. Far from giving up on people, I want to fight to give them actual voices when the time comes. I'm sure that I'll be chosen for my benevolence above anyone else, but if that's not the case, then I'll run off to the woods with you and help people from the shadows."
"I approve of this backup plan."
"Lovely."
"You're ready to take on the world, and I'm here with you," she says with a smile. "It all continues tomorrow, after a good rest. And some cuddles for me, I hope?"
"Hope springs eternal, as it should," I say with a wink.
"I'll say it until the end of time. Lili, you are totally the best."
"I'll grab all your calls, as always."
"Thank you. It might be a few days before we get to chat again."
Fio lays on her side as I finish getting dressed. It's another early morning in the Leaf, and I'm off to meet with Itachi. Time and location are set, breakfast will be decided on shortly.
"Yeah, I know the drill by now. No worries. I can consider this prep for when you get the big hat."
"Hopefully not. As the Hokage's wife, you'd have permission to walk yourself into my office whenever you wanted. I could do with an unscheduled lunch break or two."
"Almost forgot that you're magic when it comes to paperwork. Hm. Guess it'll be better, then. Can't wait."
"Neither can I." I sigh. "One step closer."
"Knock 'em dead, babe."
"With great pleasure." I kneel into the bed and give Fio an extra sweet morning kiss. "Love you."
"Love you more." She grins and taps my nose gently.
I pull on my backpack and head out. The weather is a bit cool and grey clouds are roaming the skies. Don't like it. Rain will be annoying if we have to move in the next few days. I find a few people congregating and pick out an older man with a newspaper in hand.
"Uncle, do you mind if I have a look at the weather for a little bit?"
"Not a problem, kid. Here."
"Thank you~." I look at the weather section and memorize the predictions. Might have to go up into the air myself to confirm, but they're usually accurate in this publication. "All good. I appreciate it, uncle."
"Always good to help you kids out. Take care, now."
I wave and head towards the main gate, then leave the village.
"North, in a cozy place...probably a good reason why he picked it out, as always."
I do the regular sweep of my surroundings while moving through the trees, heading in an arc north around the village. Should be between five and ten kilometres away, if I remember correctly. Along that path is a rail line, I believe. Pulls freight towards a station just outside of the village, which is loaded onto carts for what they call the last mile, which may or may not be one mile in length.
It is indeed a small place, with buildings made of wood and one multipurpose shop that I can see. Takes care of most everything, from groceries to hardware to clothing. Refrigerated and frozen items are taken care of by old style iceboxes. The railway cuts through the middle of town, with wide berths given for walking and other ventures.
The spot Itachi said to meet is the town diner, which serves breakfast at breakfast and dinner at dinner on a strict schedule. No exceptions. The cook is old enough to remember what Hashirama looked like. I head inside and the lone waitress meets me at the front. She wears a patchwork skirt and a shirt that is tied off above her stomach. Big lashes, long fuzzy black hair, and a friendly disposition. Most important, the kind of hips that men would fight wars over. Would be hard to blame them.
"Table for one?" she asks with a gentle tone.
"I'm meeting with someone."
"I see. He's waiting for you inside." She picks up a menu and leads me inside, where I enjoy the sights until we reach our table. Itachi is already having himself coffee, and pauses to make a fresh cup for me.
"I'm ready to order, if that's fine," he says.
"I'll be ready in just a moment myself," I follow.
"Alright." She hands me the menu and takes out a notepad from inside of her shirt. "What would we like today?"
"I will have your 'Wildest West Breakfast', as printed on the menu," Itachi says.
"Okay. And you, ma'am?"
"Same for me."
She nods and jots it down. "Anything else?"
"Milk, please. A whole pitcher if you have it."
"Got it. If you need more coffee, refills are included with the meal price. I'll get your orders cooking right away."
"Thank you," Itachi says. She smiles at us and takes the menus before walking away. "You know, you're fortunate the venue is empty at the moment."
"Am I?" She has a damn good strut on top of everything. Hypnotic, almost.
"You're being a bit too obvious."
"Sure," I say while watching the waitress disappear. I then turn my head to Itachi, who has an amused look on his face. "Is there anything else aside from scolding me?"
"No."
"Alright. And I knew the place was empty enough, so I would get away with it. I enjoy the finer things in life, as you know."
"I might." He pushes a coffee mug over to me.
"Thank you. So how much progress have we made on our little project?"
"Enough to make you very happy."
"Hmm, that sounds exciting." I sip from my mug. "So we're close to starting the final act."
"We can begin with our plan any time we wish. I had to start a good distance away from this area, in order to keep Zetsu off my trail. But he's taken the bait in full. It's thanks to the recent event that raised your profile so dramatically."
"I would say you're welcome, but that might be too saucy even for me."
"In any case...Zetsu is convinced of our affair, and that I'm going to arrange a meeting for you very soon. Which of the sites did you want to use?"
I drink some more of my coffee while thinking. We're spoiled for choice, but...I think some extra insurance will work out just fine. Can't be too reckless. "I want to use the area near Mugino Pass, down the mountainside. If you recall, there's a cave there, surrounded by trees."
"The one with the underground stream running through it."
"The very same. I remember that the upper level is suspended just above that stream, which would normally be a good egress point. I want to set up a proper trap down there, so that when we collapse the cave downwards, he'll have nowhere left to go. That's when we turn him to ash. The last thing to drive him towards us will be our dramatic performance. Improvising should be fine, right?"
"I suppose so."
Our food arrives, along with my milk. The fancifully named Wildest Western Breakfast: a stack of pancakes with melting butter on top, tomato, steak, toasted bread, two fried eggs, sausage and a large biscuit.
"There we are. I hope you two enjoy."
"Thank you," Itachi says.
"Thank you kindly. It looks scrumptious," I say. Nearly as much as she does, I leave out.
"You're very welcome. I'll be around, so you just call or wave if you need anything." She smiles and leaves us again, settling into that little walk I've become obsessed with.
"It's not often you get to see living art like this," I say. "Scold me all you want, I'm taking it in while I can."
"I suppose I can't stop you."
"At least you're learning, unlike some others I can name." She leaves my sight and I look at Itachi. "What's your type?"
"I don't have one."
"Okay."
"You believe me."
"Not in the slightest."
He nods. "That's only fair."
"Moving on from annoying you," I say as I slice apart my steak, "we want to stack explosives on the inside and then light them up in a chain. You have a clone variant that can help with that."
"I do."
"And you mentioned a backup? Before that, what of the bout of sickness you were dealing with?"
"Taken care of. I obtained some medicine and took an aggressive approach to it. It was a respiratory infection that would have worsened due to excessive jutsu use and general immune response. Being out of Akatsuki meant I could use certain jutsu sparingly compared to the past."
"As long as you're sure. I can get you a line to Tsunade whenever you want."
He nods. "I will certainly take you up on that. And I will likely need her help in the near future. It depends on what happens with Danzo, and I will have to talk to Sasuke before then."
"Let me know how it goes when the time comes. I'll help you out, even if it's nonsense to anyone else. That's what little sisters are for."
"I see. Then I will rely on your help, imouto."
"Mm. Well said." I dig into my food. There's an...old fashioned, rustic sort of quality to this meal. As if everything really has been crystallized in the hands of time. Teuchi cooks meals that are both familiar and ever advancing. This here...far from bad, it feels a bit out of time, in a sense.
"The flavours are rich," Itachi says. "It reminds me a bit of when Mother used old family recipes with traditional ingredients. Different, and interesting."
"I wouldn't be surprised if we were eating things the health ministry banned thirty years ago."
"It would be something. People said the cook served Sakumo Hatake during his prime."
"I wouldn't bother challenging that. If he said he made eggs for Sasuke Sarutobi himself, I wouldn't flinch. The man's probably ancient."
Itachi chuckles at that. We continue eating in silence, and the waitress comes by to take away our empty plates while replacing our pot of coffee. She smiles and nods before heading off again.
"Mm." I could watch her all day.
"Your heroics on the eastern sea have spread across the shinobi nations."
I nod before returning my attention to Itachi. "I figured it out in a painful enough way the other day."
"I see. So that terror was why the man of Twin Scales rejected offers of peace, tempting as they might have been. I know that Sarutobi is a master negotiator, and easy to coax concessions out of."
"Yes. Apparently my legend is too much to ignore, and there weren't enough assurances that I would be kept at bay." I run a hand through my hair. "Oonoki went right for it, and tried to use the Hyuuga Affair as a wedge."
Itachi thinks on it for a moment before nodding. "Erasing you."
"That's exactly it."
"Was it a pragmatic play?"
"Not entirely. He did everything with a model of the old man that I believe he hoped was outdated. But if it carried through, he wouldn't be upset with the decision, or the results." I look at Itachi. "Your ordeal came to mind at that moment."
"And do you still believe I did the wrong thing?"
"More than ever."
"I see."
"The Uchiha will be restored, in some capacity. Just unfortunate for you that being your secret mistress is merely fiction. There isn't a clan in this world that would pass on the opportunity to have my genes mixed with theirs."
"That is true."
"Of course. Since you'll be around for a while, you should consider your options. Maybe I could conference with the girls and consider your options for you, if it comes to that."
"I suppose. I would like it if you gave me a while before then."
"Easily done, love."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. It's the little sister's job to look after her big brother's health." I give him a smile. "It can't be one way affection."
"I appreciate that, Lili." He smiles back at me. "Shall we start with ideas for the stage?"
"We shall. Let's start with the things we need to take out of play..."
We finish conferencing and head out together, after I thank the waitress and give her a large enough tip. She almost refuses before Itachi convinces her that it's alright. Always good to have a man the girls will swoon over, to head off any conflicts.
Mugino Pass is in the northwestern section of Fire Country, though not too far out from the heartlands. As mentioned before, our cave stage is a little bit out from the pass itself. A day's journey from where we are now. Itachi and I go over the details of our plan, everything save the improvised acting portions. Explosives, Sage Arts, and plenty of deception.
Itachi and I double check the area using visual and beyond visual means. Zetsu has an ability called Mayfly, the extent of which is unknown. What we do know is that he uses it to travel rapidly beneath the earth, to anywhere he chooses. It makes him virtually undetectable as sensors and doujutsu users can't pick him up. His presence is completely concealed.
Almost.
Manual senses like smell still work if the field is prepared, like Itachi would do at times with seasonings and spices in small amounts. Enough to avoid being picked up by the target, but also more than enough for heightened senses of smell like mine. Sage Mode could also pick up his presence with its greatly enhanced abilities. But there's one more thing that most people don't have in their kits.
"Vibrations. I see."
Itachi and I are walking upside down on the ceiling, which is just below the main part of the cave where we'll meet for the performance.
"I can sense people and pick out their presence by way of the vibrations they make. I've been testing it out with the Aburame, to the point where I can identify each person by the frequencies their colonies give off," I explain while putting down an explosive tag. "It won't need to be that fine, but if he merges with the ground and is actively moving through it, or does what you mentioned and emerges from a tree or rock face to spy on us..."
"Then you'll be able to sense the vibrations he makes, and detect his position immediately."
"Yes."
"It's quite the technique. Non-visual contact type sensing." He looks at me. "Seems you're very intimate with the serpent world, and its way of living."
"I do have a reputation to keep as the serpent world's princess."
"Hm. I could have used the help of a distinguished scholar like you in the past."
"Distinguished scholar, eh. Don't go around calling me silly things like Professor Serpentine, or Doctor Snakes."
"Doctor Snakes is a good one."
"You would think so." I tilt my head up to look downward. The stream is now flowing around a body of water, namely the artificial one that I just created with senjutsu chakra. It's mixed with plenty of oil, and beneath it, hidden by some dirt, is plastic. A big sheet of plastic.
Why? Because our theory is that the plant man needs organic material to pass through. Itachi has never seen him emerge through concrete or steel of any kind. If we're wrong, then we're wrong, and it's all up to our initial burst to take him down. But if we're right, we just add another layer of certainty.
I focus and sense for any unusual vibrations. Nothing. We should still be fine.
"I can't use the technique while moving, unfortunately. That's the only drawback to it."
"It makes sense. Disrupting your feedback by constantly generating your own noise," he says.
It's a good sized pit beneath us. Zetsu will be compelled to head downwards to escape, and in that time we should be able to light him up with flame that will be boosted by the oil.
The only way through to the bottom portion, which is a long drop, is by a relatively narrow passageway at current. We have a large stone ready to hide it once we're finished. The upper portion is held up by a few thin pillars and otherwise exists as a shelf with a field of stalagmites on top. Stalactites also grow downward from the ceiling, which seems about seven feet high at most.
"Oi."
"Yes," he answers.
"You're going to teach me the exploding clone art. I might have you do it tonight."
"That's fine. I trust you not to use it recklessly."
"As you should. Having that sort of nonsense in my arsenal should serve me well, even if it's not ready for use just yet."
"It takes a fair bit of chakra control, and timing. The enemy could be impulsive and detonate the clone near you. You might want to mix in a misdirection or genjutsu to keep them at bay."
"Genjutsu...I'm good at breaking them, but not so much at creating them. You're right in that I should have one or two in hand."
"There's a reason why shinobi specialize," he says as we finish and walk towards the opening. "Minato wasn't known for his genjutsu, either. Many think that it's as easy as getting close to the enemy with speed, but there's a reason why Sharingan jutsu are so coveted and feared. The ability to cast illusions with less effort, focus, and movement than most others is exceedingly rare in this world. It's why I respect Kurenai so much."
"Have you told her that?"
"Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to. Things came up," he says drily. I snort and push my body through the opening, or at least try to. It's loose everywhere else, but...certain places are tighter fits than I want.
"Fucking hell. It was fine on the way down," I mutter.
"Are you alright?"
"I almost have these...melons out...oh, finally." I sigh and push myself upwards. "Now it's the lower half."
"Should I push?"
"It would help. Grab if you need to, it's fine."
He puts his hands on my hips and lifts upwards as I move. I finally get through and squeeze my thighs together to make sure there are no more obstructions.
"Thank you."
"Not a problem." He grunts and pulls himself through with little hassle. "I had forgotten about your relative plumpness, or else I would have suggested widening the passage earlier."
"Hoh. That's a way to put it," I say as I brush the dirt from my chest. "I can live with being unable to access small passages ever again. This is a body to die for, after all."
"I wouldn't change you either, imouto."
"Is that your way of telling me how sexy I am?"
I look back at him to see the expected blank expression.
"No comment."
I preen. "I'll take it."
We finish our inspections and then part ways. Itachi is going out to make sure Zetsu is locked in. From there, it's my turn.
"See you tomorrow. Remember to be careful," I say to him.
"I will. If anything goes wrong, your safety will be my priority. Opportunities will come and go, but there will only be one Lili."
"And likewise, one Itachi. You're my shield, but not my sacrifice."
He nods, and I give him a hug.
"Good night, aniki."
"Good night." He steps backwards and disappears into the darkness. I do one last sweep before following his lead. The night is warm enough to do some camping underneath the stars.