Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 103
"To Infinity"
[The Endless Waltz: Prologue]

"I never expected us to meet again like this. How interesting that we landed on the same side in the end."

"It is an interesting thing, yes."

A clear and cool morning in Rain Country, just outside of the Hidden Rain Village. Konan is freed of her restraints for the last time as she stands in front of the expert I mentioned yesterday. None other than the beloved traitor of Leaf, and my even more beloved older brother, Itachi Uchiha.

"Lady Hyuuga, Lady Yamanaka. I hail you," he says with a bow.

"I think the pleasure is mine. Is that right?" Ino muses. "I guess it is, honestly. You're cool with Lili, and I know all about your whole thing with the clan and Sasuke, so...yeah. It's nice to meet you!"

"Thank you for your help, in this time and all others past," Hina says. "I am glad that you remain safe, Itachi. And I look forward to working with you in the future."

"Thank you both. As promised to Madam Kobayashi, I will escort Konan into the village and ensure her security before the rest of you arrive. I also have been told that Lord Jiraiya will be handling Konan's care after my departure," Itachi says.

"Yes. He and Konan are well acquainted," I say to him. "They were master and student a long time ago, along with the other founders of Akatsuki. She can tell you all about it on your journey, as I'm sure she planned to do."

"I did. If Itachi is providing assistance from the shadows, then I would like to do the same as much as possible," Konan says. "Telling him of Akatsuki's roots should help with that."

"You're sure that it's okay with Anko?" I ask.

"I did not give her the details of this particular mission. In any case, she's more understanding than most would assume."

"Mm. A very intriguing answer, that."

"Shall we go, Lady Konan? The hour will be late if we remain too much longer."

"I'll find and pester you in a while, you know."

Konan smiles and nods. "Yes, I believe it would be best for us to take our leave now. Lady Lilith, I will be awaiting your command in the Hidden Leaf, once you do return. I will pray for your safety until then."

"Thank you, Konan."

"I suppose before leaving, I can spare an extra moment for Lili here," Itachi says.

"That's always good to hear." We walk a short distance from the others before stopping.

"So you defeated Pain, and the Rinnegan eyes he held."

"Yes. They are currently in my possession. I told the girls already that I was going to take some time out for myself...in order to figure out what my next steps should be. I can't very well declare my victory at this time, and I want to keep Obito in the dark a while longer."

"And you're refusing an escort."

"Yes."

"I would say that it's not very wise of you...but then, the wisdom provided to you by the heavens is beyond most of us mortals, since it has allowed you to do so much already. I will echo what Konan said. But if you have need of me, I will come to you right away."

"I know. That's why I'm cutting off contact with most everyone. It will be a bit lonely, but I will have the serenity of nature and my dreams to comfort me. I promise that I will be alright."

"I will hold you to it. Otherwise, I am immensely proud of you for your victory."

"Thank you, aniki."

"Of course. Until we meet again, imouto. I will give Anko your greetings."

I reach up to hug him tightly, and he pats my head. With a nod towards Konan, they meet up and give us a bow together before starting a light jog into the distance.

"It's time for us to part ways, girls," I say as I meet with them again. "Thank you for everything you've done. This victory, like so many others, was thanks to you. The love and faith you have for me allows me to do so much. And so, I ask you to believe in me as I take on this journey. I will return to you when I am needed, this I know in my heart."

Ino hugs me and gives me a kiss. "We know. I'll miss you, Lili. Be safe, okay? I know you'll do the right thing for all of us."

Erika hugs me next. "I will pray for your protection, and look over the horizon for your form. There is nobody more fit to decide this shinobi world's future...so don't tarry too long, Lady Kobayashi."

Hina sniffles and rubs at her eyes before hugging me tight. "You've only been back a moment. To leave again...my sister and friend who has already risked so much."

"Hina."

"My heart already aches, knowing that you'll be out of reach for too long. But I will continue to believe in you, as I always have. And I will send my love to you each night when I look at the stars. I love you so much."

"I love you more. Thank you, Hina. Please...look after everyone for me."

"I will."

She gives me one last squeeze before pecking me on the lips. I shrug on my bag, and give my girls one last wave and smile before taking off. Past the village, and towards the north of the country. This is the beginning of my journey into the wilderness.

It's time to find myself, before making a decision that will change the world forever.

The days pass, turning into weeks. With nothing to hurry towards, I move through the waves of rain steadily until I reach Grass Country. The tall grass and unique, expansive forests provide enough cover to move around without being disturbed, and meditate in peace. Several hours each day, dedicated to connecting with the natural world. Gaining both calm and clarity.

There's a persistent thought in my head, about the remaining tailed beasts. Two of them are in the Hidden Cloud, or the vicinity of such. And there was that strange presence from when I went to look for Fio. That was years ago, but it's been consistently coming to mind as I sit quietly.

"Northeast it is, then. I'll stop to see how things are in the Hidden Cloud. And there are other things I can do along the way. How funny...all of a sudden, I've got myself a schedule again..."

In between the quiet times, I speak with Fio. She misses me terribly, but understands what I mean to do even before I can explain it to her. I do so anyway, so that she's on the same page as everyone else. Visiting Midori is possible, so that I could see everyone...but I don't have a real idea of Obito's reach, and I don't want to introduce anything bothersome with the Rinnegan still in my possession. I still have to figure out what to do with them, but I feel like I'm getting closer to my final decision with each day.

A month in the wilderness passes. I've decided to cross over Tenchi Bridge and back into friendly territory, walking the northern edge of Fire Country. A stop or two to refresh myself and resupply, then I continue on before reaching the Valley of the End once more. The place where my comrades and I put our lives on the line to bring Sasuke and Sakura back home. I don't have any regrets about the mission, or what I did on it. The memories, though...they're interesting to come back to.

Looking up at the waterfall, and the two massive statues standing across from each other. Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju. Both dead by now, or should be at least...and still they fight. Whether it's through chosen avatars, or ambitious descendants. Senju and Uchiha, children of the Sage's bloodline. A battle that has continued for ages, and that the entire world has been pulled into against its will. Many questions, and too few answers.

"Were these relics meant to solve that kind of strife? Or are they a sign of something else? Perhaps something more mundane than the ultimate rescue of this world we live in. Surely the Sage would do more than leave these things to chance."

I cross the valley and go into the reborn Rice Country. Industry is everywhere, only this time it is submitting to the whims of nature, as is correct. Kobayashi Rice leads the way, joined by a host of competitors that do their best to follow the leader. Emi has pushed the company to be as compassionate and ethical as it could get away with. Pushing the envelope, they like to call it. There were frequent worries that it wouldn't work. All of those worries turned out to be unfounded, especially when workers started to leave their rivals for a chance to work at truly competitive rates for bountiful benefits. The standards of rice farming and production have been raised high, and nobody is ready to lower them yet.

As a result, the gloom and misery that I would see when passing by farmers in the past, during my father's time, is just about gone. The workers look healthier, and their work is better than before. None of them are likely to recognize me, but I greet those nearby anyways. It's always nice to see a smiling face during the day, I think. The country's hidden village is still staffed by representatives from the five shinobi powers on the upper levels, with various mercenaries and security types rounding out the remaining positions. Akatsuki excluded, naturally. Talks are still ongoing with regards to having a formal shinobi organization again, with the debate revolving around costs and assurances that there won't be another Hidden Sound scenario. Kobayashi Rice has mentioned introducing its own security outfit in the area.

Next door to Rice Country is Hot Water, another place that I am familiar with. I decide to take advantage of creature comforts for the first time in a while, and stop at one of the many luxurious inns for a good wash and rest. I write letters during the day while in the hot spring. A few false ones with nonsense code to annoy spies. Some progress reports for administration. A few personal letters to Hina, Fio, and Hiruzen. They're staggered over the next few days. In the meantime, I end up making a few more stops.

"Hey, kid. I hear you've been real busy lately."

Zen greets me as soon as I walk into his shop. His bald head shines as brightly as ever, and he still maintains his impressive musculature. Business has been going very well, especially with the addition of the mine for resources. Jin Toyama has been a responsible and enthusiastic partner according to him, and both sides have been getting everything they could want. The promised wedding hasn't happened yet due to earlier business hitches and illnesses on Airi's side of the family. They've set a deadline of this time next year for the ceremony, otherwise they'll go with something simple and private, then have a separate celebration afterwards. Yamato and Ittan, or Reiko as she's known to her uncle and aunt, are doing well for themselves. Yamato does special weapon commissions for the shop at his own facility within the forest, and also sells furniture and assorted items made entirely from natural sources.

"Gonna surprise them with a visit, too?" Zen asks.

"It's a good time to do so, since I'm heading north either way. A stop to make near the Hidden Cloud."

"Yeah? I was thinking you'd stay out of Lightning, since you're so infamous now."

"As always, duty calls. I would rather be home right now, but things are as they are," I say while taking a scroll from my pocket. "Here, hold onto this. Something for a while down the road...your thoughts and ideas are appreciated before we start anything in earnest."

He takes the scroll from me. "Not a problem. I still can't believe it, though."

I tilt my head. "Mm? Believe what?"

"You turning into a full grown woman since the first time I saw you," he says, crossing his arms. "It wasn't all that long ago, either. Hell, a lesser man would have fallen over himself just standing here."

I play with a lock of hair and stifle my blushing. "Hush, you're going on too much."

"I don't think so. But you look like you've been doing real good for yourself, so I'm happy for you."

"Thank you kindly, sir. I did expend a notable amount of effort to achieve this form, so it's always nice to have my hard work acknowledged."

"Heh. I bet the boys do a lot more than acknowledge it."

"I'm sure," I say smugly. "But never where I can hear it, hmhm."

Two sets of footsteps sound out from the back of the shop, the first hurried and the second more measured. A small body bumps into me, having emerged from the opening beneath the front counter. A little boy in overalls, with curly black hair.

"And what do we have here?" I smile and pick him up. "I hope you're not causing Mommy and Daddy too much trouble."

"He only manages to be a handful some of the time," Airi says as she arrives. She has the same long and beautiful black hair as I last saw her with, perhaps with a bit more sheen to it. But nothing much has changed about her, down to the warm and soothing smile she gives me. "It's very nice to see you again, Lili."

"Thank you, Airi. You look as beautiful as the day I saw you last."

"Oi, oi. Do your flirting where me and the boy can't see or hear you," Zen complains. "Heaven knows I can't compete against your charms."

"I think you're more of a handful than the boy here," I say to him. "Airi, I just handed off a new project for you two to look over. We can go back and forth a few times before finalizing it."

"You've always given us very interesting things to work on, and this should be no different. I'll be looking forward to it," she says with another smile.

"I am glad to hear it." I feel a tug on my jacket. "I didn't forget about you, Shu. Did you want to help pick out a few somethings your Daddy made, to take home with me?"

He nods.

"Good boy. Let's start on the wall here. See anything you like?"

With the help of my little assistant Shuichi, I browse the shop and pick up a few things to properly patronize it. The family and I catch up on a few things, including Yamato and Ittan. She's currently entering her second trimester with her third child, and her husband has been keeping a close eye on her as usual. He always wants to take care of everything, but he's also conscious enough to not start a war in his own house. So she handles the cooking and laundry, leaving everything else to him.

"I'll pick something up in the village before wandering back into the woods," I say as I place my purchases on top of a scroll. I paint the sealing circle by hand, having memorized the various formulas on hand for emergencies. Of course, they're also good if you just don't feel like going around for a proper scroll at the time. "The inn I'm at is very good. Fantastic balance between service and autonomy."

"You guys managed to stave off the latest threat of Armageddon the other day, was that right?" Zen asks.

"Something like that. We bought some time, and the most intelligent of us are quietly wracking our brains for a more permanent solution before it's too late." I weave seals and the items are transformed in a puff of smoke. They're two dimensional representations until the time I say otherwise. I roll up the scroll and tie rope over it, then drop it into my pack.

"Good luck with that. Seriously, whatever drop in business might come isn't worth the bodies piling up. And it's not like we'll be safe here, either."

"Rei and Yamato will take us in if anything," Airi says.

"Yeah, but I don't want to put any sort of burden on them."

"You never do. Rei had to tell you to stop making things for the house."

"Listen, I just want her and the kids to be comfortable. Happy home, you know?"

"You really are a national treasure," I say to Zen. "I hope you get to pass your wisdom down to your grandchildren."

"You and me both. I appreciate that, Lili. You take care, and I'll be sure to write plenty of notes for you to sip tea over."

"That's what I like to hear." I crouch down and kiss the little one on his forehead. "Bye-bye, Shu. Be a good boy and look after Mommy and Daddy."

He smiles and nods.

"Good. Take care, you two. I'll be around again soon enough."

"Only if you do the same, kid. Try not to make too many men cry while you're out," Zen says.

"Goodbye for now, Lili. Be safe on your journey," Airi says.

"Thank you both. Until the next." I smile and wave before leaving.

Two more days pass before I decide to leave the comfort of civilization behind again. Something is calling to me, and loudly.

I pick up some items from a shop before heading out, venturing north and towards the border. This path is one I remember from memory. The mission from a few years ago, where I danced with my senpai for the first time. I can feel the strength and serenity of the sacred forest as soon as I enter it. Without needing to think, I walk on. I stop in a place amongst the trees, and create a fire easily with the things that are nearby. There's water to drink. Prey offers itself up to me, and I kill, cook, and eat with reverence. The wolves of the forest wander in and acknowledge me before leaving, never disturbing my communion with nature. Something is meant to happen here, with me.

So I wait patiently.

A week passes. I think about the Rinnegan, which I have not looked at once since taking them from Nagato's skull. The time is not yet right, it seems. A wolf with dark fur emerges from the trees. It sits in front of me, and I rub his head and under his chin gently. I take off my sandals and feel the forest floor under my feet. The wolf gets up and goes back the way he came, and I follow. I follow him deeper into the forest, through the maze of trees before reaching a tight circle of trees. There's a large, flat rock in the middle.

"..."

The wolf bows his head. I get up on the rock, resting on my knees. I close my eyes, and breathe in.

Then the wolf howls, until the sound becomes distant, and then disappears altogether. As I open my eyes, I can see that the light and colour of the world has dimmed considerably. Someone is sitting in front of me, in their woven black dress and wolf mask. They remove the mask, shaking out their long brown hair at the same time. The hazy grey eyes that I remembered look at me calmly.

"Fubuki-senpai," I say. "I'm happy to see you again."

"As I am happy to see you, kouhai. I wanted to meet you where you were, instead of the opposite. I know that you have been deliberating over something of great importance."

"Yes. Thank you for this kindness, senpai."

"You are more than worth it." She has the mask disappear from her hand. "The sacred eyes of the Sage of Six Paths are now in your possession. You have defeated this world's inheritor, and now the future will be determined by your next steps. I came to check on you, and give you assurances..."

"..."

"...but because you are you, Lili, it seems that I was simply being overprotective. That is to say...I did not intend to make your decision for you, but I now know that was impossible from the start. Because you know exactly what it is that you want to do. And you have for a long while now."

"..." As always, she's figured me out. One of the few people who can do so at a glance.

"There is something behind your apprehension, something that you cannot quite understand. So perhaps I still have a purpose as your mentor in this hour. We can explore that together, if you would like."

"I would be more than arrogant to refuse your help, senpai. I very much welcome your wisdom, especially now."

"I am happy to hear that. Then...what is it you seek within your heart, World Serpent? Surely, you have the impulse to devour all that blocks your path. But there is something holding you back. Tell me your feelings."

"..." I take a breath in and then let it out slowly. The brightness of Fubuki's eyes helps me steady myself. "It's as you said. This decision will shape the world's future, forever. I'm sure of what I want to do, as you also said. I made my decision not too long after obtaining the Rinnegan, and the seeds of that decision were planted before then. Rinne...the cycle. Life, death, and rebirth. What is the point of it all? What does it mean for us? Do we truly have to live that way, subject to the whims of a turning world, with no means of truly protecting ourselves? Do we just sit here, over and over, waiting for our karma to balance so that we can finally escape samsara into the unknown? Or...are all of these things the works of man, things that can be easily discarded to give way to a new hope? Senpai...I..."

"Breathe. Take your time, dear child."

"Yes." I pause and gather myself. "Senpai, I worry about how much suffering there is left. How much there needs to be, if this is the path towards freedom. The Rinnegan can do so much, for so many people. With this kind of power, there would be enough that would sacrifice to make use of it. For their homes, for their countries, for the world. I weigh that against the ambitions of Madara's avatar, Obito Uchiha. Someone whose motives are still inscrutable to me. But I know that he means to plunge the world into a darkness it will never come back from. Is this a paradox, senpai? Is it the height of confusion to believe that the world and its people will find their way to the light, while taking the greatest power that they have ever known out of their hands? In my righteousness, am I the one in the way of peace, and a better future?"

I put a hand over my heart.

"Those thoughts enter my head so often. That I could be wrong. That maybe I'm not the one to decide this world's future. That maybe I should just use the Sage's eyes myself, and see what he saw, and restore the world with the same power he used to create it. It would be the right thing, the logical thing."

"You have wrestled with those feelings in your heart," Fubuki says.

"Yes, senpai. I have."

"But it is as I said." She gives me a smile. "You made your choice a very long time ago."

"That...it has to be me. And that it has to be in my own way. The cycle must come to an end."

I feel myself pushing past those thoughts and feelings. The weight is lessening, faster and faster.

My way, my path. It's all clear. I just needed this extra push.

"The age of samsara...is over," I say. "And the end of the samsara age, means the end of the power that brought it into being. Enlightened Sage who brought this shinobi world into being, I acknowledge your strength. You will forever be honoured in heaven and earth. But I am the great daughter of the heavens, child of the Supreme God, who has been given the power of the cosmos and all within it. The strength to hold all of time and space in my hands will come soon. Every step will be towards that goal."

"You have received the wisdom of the heavens, kouhai. Praise be for your obedience and faith."

"Praise be. I am the instrument of destruction and rebirth. I will take responsibility...and bring the children of men into a blessed, beautiful future. The fear and worry that I felt before has faded away. I can do this. I will do this."

"The sacred eyes from days past. Once they are gone, an age of miracles and possibility will come to an end," Fubuki says.

"Then let it be on my head," I say confidently. "I will open the door to the future with my own power, and the gift of possibility will shine within all of us."

"The world on your shoulders."

"I was given the strength to carry that weight, from the day of my birth. My mother's brilliant eyes allowed her to see me for who I was. And now, I am here."

"Lili. You have been ready for a long while. But now, you stand ready to face the world at last."

Fubuki summons her mask, and places it on her face again before standing up.

"This luminous wolf has borne witness to the advent of a new and glorious age. No longer will we strive to reach the Sage...instead, we will strive to reach into the cosmos beyond him. Honoured one, unrivalled in heaven and earth. Bring us closer to the end of darkness, and of the evil that plagues this world. Hail, World Serpent. Hail, princess of the cosmos. You are adored by heaven and earth."

Fubuki rises into the air, above the trees. She disappears completely soon after, light shining down onto me. I can feel the warmth and grace of it all.

The praise from above, going into me.

How far I've come to this place. The tears come down as I sit quietly. Everything for this moment, and beyond. I understand now, finally. I'm going to free myself, and everyone else...from these galactic shackles.

All it will take is one final step.

The morning within the forest is cold. I can see my breaths as I hold the fluid filled container in my hands. Frost starts to creep along its surface.

The Rinnegan. The eyes of the Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo Ootsutsuki. The progenitor of shinobi and samurai. The one who gave human beings the power of chakra. The one who wrangled the tailed beasts, and is said to have created the Moon itself. From his bloodline came Uchiha, who have shocked and terrorized the world as much as they helped to hold it together in crisis. And from his bloodline came Senju, the heroes of the world who preached peace and love, while allowing stability to slip through their fingers slowly in the process.

The eyes that gave rise to so much, of good and of evil. In one age, advancing the world towards peace and understanding. In another, accelerating it towards great tyranny and destruction.

"..."

In order to secure our own fates...we must look beyond these symbols, and their power.

I unseal the container, and turn it over. Its contents fall onto a bed of foliage. The moisture drains away, leaving the eyes alone. Strange ripples, now void of strength and meaning. I see no trace of Nagato, or anyone else in them. They look the same as they did when I was face to face with Pain.

I take out a small container and empty its contents over the eyes. Mineral oil that I kept around for other purposes. The stage is finally set. I turn and walk twenty paces from the platform prepared for this one purpose, then stop and turn around again. My hands slowly make seals over my stomach as I close my eyes.

"A new beginning. I pray that my steps are properly ordered."

I open my eyes and breathe in deeply.

And then, I exhale.

The flame streams from between my lips, moving slowly in my sight. I watch it hit the nest of leaves and sticks, igniting the oil, spreading out before exploding upwards and outwards. It's only a few more seconds before I cease the flame coming from my mouth, and stand to watch everything burn brightly, in a pillar of shimmering blue flames.

Now, there is no turning back. It really and truly is over.

I watch the winding, dancing flames without thinking deeply. The fire looks...so pretty. As if it were twinkling, almost. But it doesn't change to some unknown colour, or do anything dramatic. Everything simply burns within flames that shift from blue to orange to a fiery red. And then they shrink, and shrink, and shrink...

...until finally, they disappear.

I take a cup of water and pour it over the cinders, sending steam into the air. It rises and disappears slowly. Today's sky is clear and blue.

With everything done, I turn over some earth nearby with a shovel, and spread the dirt and ash over it before mixing everything together. Afterwards, I start another fire in my own small pit, warm yesterday's leftover dinner, and boil water for tea. A short prayer, and then I sit on a fallen log and eat.

Today is the beginning of a new age, as said over and over again. The first day of the rest of our lives, even if many aren't yet privy to that fact.

I am ready to face what comes. No matter what.

The wolf with dark fur from yesterday comes around again. I feed him the rest of my breakfast, and give him a set of good scratches under the chin. The fire pit is filled in once the fire is out. I clean my mouth and face with the water nearby. My sandals go back onto my feet.

"I'm off."

My new companion joins me as I get ready to leave. I know the way to my next destination.

So I leave the past behind me.