Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.
Warning: The following will contain material that some viewers may not find suitable. There will be smut, graphic explicit sex, lemons at random moments, character deaths, and multiple pairings. There will be no additional warning as without reading the smut what little plot there is will not make any sense. You have been warned.
The Silk Must Flow
The nursery was full of the sounds of laughter and the high-pitched screams of children as they ran and played, as only a group of one-year-olds could do. Timara's son, being the oldest by almost a year, ruled over the small group—not by volume alone, but by size.
Tayuya sat in the middle of this chaos, joining in the play or ensuring nothing sharp was used—not just yet, at least. In her mind, a little blood was a good training tool, even for ones this young. The world was too hard and life moved too fast not to learn now the lessons she had grown up with. Those with power make the rules, and it is better to be the one with that power.
When Karin walked in, she made a beeline to Tayuya. With quick, practiced steps, she avoided the horde of little ones underfoot, stopping only to wipe the nose of one and to pull apart two others who seemed to be fighting a little too hard for her liking.
Looking up from the floor with two children hanging off her back, Tayuya laughed as she shook them off and distracted them with a stuffed frog. "What brings you down here this late?" she asked as Karin paused at her side before deciding to sit on the floor with Tayuya. This seemed to signal three little girls to come charging over, but Temari's boy stopped them before they had a chance to pile on. He seemed to understand that now was not the time for play.
Giving him a nod of satisfaction, Tayuya leaned over to Karin. "So spill it, you're not fucking down here for nothing."
"Have you talked to Hinata lately?" Karin asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
"Not since we unsealed her, that must be what, three weeks now," said Tayuya, picking up another stuffed toy, this one in the shape of a head-sized rock. With a practiced throw, she hit Temari's boy in the back, taking him off his feet. 'Boy's got to learn to keep his eyes open,' she thought as he rolled with the hit.
"That's what I thought. Don't you think it's odd?" said Karin, ignoring Tayuya's method of teaching.
"Wasn't really thinking about it. You think she's up to something?" Tayuya replied, ducking under a poorly thrown toy aimed at her head.
"No… yes… I'm not sure, but something is going on. The dogs of war are gathering around the Hyuga compound this morning," said Karin, her voice laced with anxiety.
"Have you talked to Kiba? If his clan is pissed off, then he should know what's going on. He is clan head after all," said Tayuya, right before she was tackled by four little ones, their leader shouting in victory as they got her on her back.
Tayuya sighed, extricating herself from the pile of kids. "Fine, if we are trading jobs today, then you have to stay here with the brat army," she said, waving her hand at the little redheads running about, with their blonde leader listening intently to her every word.
"Okay, fine," said Karin, pursing her lips together before bacing herself to the floor.
"You heard her, now get moving," yelled Tayuya. As she made her way to the door, she heard Karin's scream as ten little bodies all jumped on her at once.
…..
She had taken the time to change into something a little more formal than her play day clothes, so it was nearing high noon when she stopped just outside the main gates leading to the Hyuga's compound. The sun beat down, casting sharp shadows on the ground. The heat was almost stifling, and the scent of the Inuzuka clan reached her before she spotted them, a trait she had learned they could hide at a moment's notice when on the hunt.
A dozen Inuzuka with twice that many of their wolf-sized companions stood outside the gate, each one looking like they were ready to start a fight. With no enemies around, they took to pushing each other around in a game of 'Who is top dog today,' a game they played until Kiba walked out of the gate and banged some heads together. He was far from the biggest or the meanest, but none dared challenge him.
Karin's approach caught their attention, and the pack bristled, muscles tense under their skin. Kiba's presence barely kept them in check, and their eyes glinted with barely contained aggression.
"What are you doing here, red?" Kiba asked as she walked over to look up at him, the pack quickly surrounding her and hemming her in with their bodies.
"I smelled you from the Uzumaki compound. What the fuck is going on?" she shot back, her sharp tone eliciting a few laughs from the Inuzuka.
The scent of wet fur and earth filled her nostrils as she looked around, hearing the low grumbles of the Inuzuka around her. Words like "gold" and "silk" floated around, but nothing she could make sense of.
"It's not my place to say. You should talk to Hinata if you want to know," said Kiba, scratching Akamaru behind the ear. The giant dog's tail thumped against the ground, sending up small puffs of dust.
"Fine, move your smelly ass and let me through," she ordered, pushing the bodies of the large dogs and men out of the way. Her reputation, as well as her standing as a clan head, moved them out of the way more than her strength.
As she passed through the gate, she felt the weight of their stares on her back, a palpable reminder of the tension that hung in the air. The Hyuga compound loomed ahead, its austere walls a stark contrast to the wild energy of the Inuzuka clan.
Nearing the gate, Tayuya received a bow from each of the guards, "Tayuya-sama," their normally cold and unmoving expressions breaking for a brief moment. She noticed that, unlike every other time, these were two Jonin at the gate, not the normal Chunin guards.
After spending weeks at the compound, she knew her way around better than her own home. She entered the maze of hallways and double doors, aware that a hundred eyes were on her every move. She reached the plain, unadorned doors to Hinata's office.
Knowing the chance that Hinata didn't know she was there was next to nothing, Tayuya reached out to knock on the door. Before her hand touched the wood, she heard, "Come in, Tayuya-san."
Sliding the door open, she walked in and took a seat in front of the low table as Hinata continued her work. The curse of paperwork was not just the Hokage's, it seemed, as there were stacks of papers and scrolls all around.
"It's not like you to be so quiet. What is it?" said Hinata, placing her brush down and looking up, her pale eyes cutting into Tayuya, like accusations from the grave.
"The Red Chair noticed the dogs of war gathering. Is there something you wish to share?" Tayuya's words carried an edge, mirroring the political intrigue of their world.
"The Red Chair in name only; the Daimyo has yet to sign the decree," Hinata shot back, her tone laced with unspoken anger.
"The Hokage has sent Ino to the capital to find out what is going on. I'm sure you know that" Tayuya continued, mentally cursing Karin for putting her in this diplomatic position. This was not her world, and if Hinata didn't change her tone, Tayuya felt she might lose her patience.
"It has been weeks, and the only word is she is still looking," said Hinata, her voice tinged with restrained anger, clearly directed beyond the Daimyo.
Tayuya took a deep breath, sensing the tension rise. She fought to keep her composure, knowing the delicate balance she needed to maintain. "Listen, if you're pissed at me, say it. Stop this fucking bullshit," she said, the words rushing out in a torrent, bouncing off the stoic demeanor of the Hyuga clan head as if she had anticipated them.
Counting to ten in her mind, Tayuya steeled herself before Hinata spoke through gritted teeth. "You sealed me," she whispered fiercely, her words striking Tayuya like a slap.
"Yes, and now you're equal. Your clan can't burn you down unless they're willing to do the same to themselves. You should be thanking me," Tayuya shot back, her tone defiant.
Hinata placed her hands on the table, fingers intertwined tightly as if to steady herself. "That wasn't the plan. It was never the plan. How am I supposed to give Naruto a child if you cut off my bloodline?" Her voice quivered with a mix of frustration and sorrow.
Tayuya's shock was evident. "What the fuck?" Her expression twisted in disbelief. She had no idea Hinata harbored such plans with Naruto, and as his first wife, she wasn't about to allow it.
"I can't believe you still think you can take my husband from me, you crazy bitch," Tayuya retorted sharply, her patience wearing thin.
"Take him? I have my own clan to deal with. A union of our clans would have given me something to live for besides honor, and you took that from me," Hinata declared, her voice heavy with a sense of loss and betrayal.
"Fine, let me think about it," Tayuya replied, her brow furrowed in puzzlement.
"Think about it, but you destroyed the scrolls," Hinata pointed out sharply.
"The paper, yes, but the seals are still up here," Tayuya tapped the side of her head. "Now, what is going on that has Kiba and his clan so up in arms?"
"Three out of the last five ships filled with silk have been taken by pirates," Hinata stated, her voice carrying urgency and frustration. "The pirates usually take a portion of the shipment, not the entire ship. This is unprecedented. We only pay the Inuzuka upon the safe return of the ships with the gold or trade goods. Our losses are becoming alarming, and we're left in the dark about who's responsible."
"Where is this happening?" asked Tayuya, considering the various groups she knew could be behind it.
Unrolling a map, Hinata jabbed a finger down. "Here, off the coast of the Land of Wind as they leave the Kawa Pass."
Tayuya pondered the situation, her tone skeptical. "If it's off the coast of the Land of Wind, could Gaara have anything to do with this?"
Hinata shook her head decisively. "No, Gaara has more important matters to attend to than petty theft."
Tayuya studied the map intently. The Kawa Pass opened into the treacherous waters of "The Unforgiven Sea," where all trading ships headed east after passing Dakujan, the capital of Narure Country. Once in the calmer "Sakuru Sea," they would either head north towards Lightning Country or east towards the smaller island states.
"I would send a team or two of Inuzuka on the next ship," Tayuya suggested, tracing her finger over the map. "They can dock here at Taro Island or up at Hagi Island if they don't want to go all the way to Lightning."
"I was thinking that, but if Gaara hears about a large team of Inuzuka openly moving along his border, it could cause trouble. The Hokage would not allow it," Hinata replied cautiously.
"She would if I asked Temari to lead the team. She could ensure her brother doesn't get out of control," Tayuya proposed, a calculating gleam in her eyes.
…
"Ino, what's wrong?" asked Tomiko as Ino stormed into the room, throwing her higasa at the wall. It opened mid-air and floated gracefully down onto the bed. Made of the highest quality bamboo and washi paper, it was beautifully decorated with intricate designs of flowers and birds around the edges.
Ino's scream of frustration brought Yuka out of her room to join Tomiko at the floor table, where the staff had set out some tea and small cakes. "Is it that bad?" asked Yuka, taking a bite of cake.
"I can't believe these people! It's like they all want to overthrow the Daimyo while supporting him. Not one of them has a clear thought in their heads," Ino fumed, her words met with nods of understanding from the two sisters. Tomiko handed Ino a cup of tea and gestured for her to sit down.
"It's understandable," said Yuka. "After all, no one has any real power but their title and what money they haven't wasted over the years."
"It's like a game of Go, you make your move but can't see the other player's pieces," said Tomiko, giggling.
Ino sighed, taking a sip of the tea. "It's worse than that. Everyone's a traitor in their head. Every single one of them has thoughts of betrayal, plans, and schemes. It's a tangled web of deceit, and trying to find the one actual traitor is like searching for a needle in a haystack of needles."
Yuki leaned back, thoughtful. "So, you can't trust what you see in their minds because they're all plotting something?"
"Exactly," Ino replied, her frustration evident. "Even the ones who aren't actively working against the Daimyo still harbor thoughts of rebellion or self-interest. It's impossible to tell who the real threat is when everyone has some level of deceit in their mind."
Tomiko set down her tea, a serious expression replacing her earlier amusement. "Then we need a different approach. Instead of trying to find the traitor through their thoughts, maybe we should look for inconsistencies in their actions. People can think a lot of things, but their actions might reveal more."
Ino nodded slowly, considering the suggestion. "You're right. Thoughts can be misleading, but actions are harder to fake. We need to watch them more closely, see who's making moves that don't align with their supposed loyalty."
Yuki added, "I think it time to start setting traps, situations where their true intentions might be revealed through their reactions."
A spark lit up Ino's eyes. "Alright. Let's do it. We'll set up scenarios to flush out the real traitor. It's time to turn this game of Go into a game of Shogi, where every move counts and the true strategist will reveal themselves."
"You know that Tsukasa has been spending a lot of time with the maids and court ladies. He's sweet-talked all but the youngest ones into his bedchambers at least once, but none of them seem to object," Tomiko's words filled the air as she stirred her tea with a spoon, making little clicking sounds. The twin blondes stared at her in surprise.
"What?" said Yuki, breaking the silence. "I would expect a few of them to start fighting over him by now. It's been weeks, and sweet words and promises can only go so far."
Ino frowned, deep in thought. "Men are pigs, but young girls, especially those without a family, are often easy prey. They're looking for someone to care for them, someone to make them feel special and important. But even then, you'd expect some jealousy within the ranks of the court ladies, it should have blown up into a fight by now. It doesn't add up."
Once again, Ino cursed herself for having sent the Ghost back to Konohagakure. She would have been perfect for this, but she was becoming too unstable, too unpredictable outside the village.
Tomiko's eyes narrowed. "You think he's using some kind of jutsu on them?"
Ino nodded slowly. "It's possible. If he's manipulating their minds, controlling their actions, they wouldn't even realize it. They'd just follow his orders, believing it's their own will."
Yuki shivered. "That's terrifying. If he has that kind of power, we need to be extra careful."
Ino leaned forward, fire in her eyes. "Then we need to find out for sure. We'll start with Tomiko observing the maids more closely. See if they exhibit any strange behavior or inconsistencies in their stories. If we can catch him using a jutsu, we'll need proof to take to the Daimyo."
Tomiko agreed. "I can do that. They always talk to me."
Yuki sighed. "It's going to be tricky. We can't just confront him without solid evidence, and we don't want to tip him off that we're onto him."
Ino nodded. "We'll be smart about it. We'll need to set a trap for Tsukasa, but first, we need to understand exactly what he's doing to those women."
Looking thoughtful, Yuki added, "I think I need to take over talking to the court ladies. I can't be persuaded by their thoughts. I still haven't found out who removed the records from the Hall of Records. Maybe your skills would be better used in finding out that answer."
"Yes, I can do that," said Ino as she recalled talking to her other two remaining Root agents. They had followed Tsukasa for weeks now and besides reporting that he seemed to bed someone every night, they hadn't seen anything else. Now that she was thinking about it, that didn't quite fit. Some of the court ladies had gossiped about him being alone for days on end.
"Sorry, I've got to take care of something," said Ino, abruptly standing and heading to the balcony. Hanging a red scarf on the rail, she waited, knowing that the Red Recall scarf would bring them to her quickly.
They appeared like smoke from a campfire, forming into two men, both on one knee as they bowed to her. In unison, they said, "What is your wish, master?"
Ino stopped herself from yelling at them again for the hundredth time to not say that, but instead, she said, "I think you have been tricked. Clear your minds."
Ino pushed back the persona of the caring friend she normally wore and called forth not the warrior she had used when fighting Root, but the one she called 'The Master'—a persona she had constructed during her first weeks of training with her Root lieutenants.
They had shown her things that had made her old self cry and scream in horror. It was only when her mother showed her the Jutsu of containment—a way to hide one's true self from what was needed to be done—that she was able to confront what had to be done in the name of the village and for her love of its future Hokage.
With her mind cleared of all moral and social norms, Ino focused intently, slipping into a state of cold decisiveness. She swiftly formed hand signs, weaving a jutsu with practiced precision, and then placed her hands on the backs of the Root members kneeling before her.
"Your eyes have been clouded by a genjutsu even a Uchiha would be proud of," she muttered, more to herself than to them.
Releasing them, Ino stepped back, contemplating her next move. The old way would have been to eliminate them swiftly, but she knew that approach had its flaws. Instead, she opted for a new tactic. With a dozen intricate hand signs, she coiled her chakra like a serpent ready to strike.
Chakra surged into their minds as she touched them again, using a forbidden jutsu to initiate a fierce battle of wills. Her chakra clashed against the unknown caster of the genjutsu, while the two men's minds, trained from birth to resist such intrusions, joined her in the struggle. They were determined to prevail, for they would rather die than fail their mistress.
The battle raged on for what seemed like hours in their minds, each second in the real world dragging on with excruciating intensity. The genjutsu couldn't be broken, only contained. As Ino pushed her chakra further, her expression remained cold and devoid of any moral hesitation.
Finally, with a final surge of effort, the genjutsu was contained. The two men fell face-first onto the floor, their minds nearly wiped from the ordeal. Ino stepped back and kicked the nearest one, checking if he was still breathing. He gasped and looked up at her, dazed but alive.
"Return to the village," she ordered, her voice icy and unyielding. "Find Itachi and tell her you are under a genjutsu. I will let her decide if you live or die."
The men, still reeling from the mental assault, nodded weakly and began to stagger to their feet. Ino watched them go, her mind already calculating the next steps in her plan. There was no room for weakness or hesitation. She would do whatever it took to uncover the truth and protect her village, even if it meant sacrificing those who served her.
"Ino?! You okay out there?" Yuka called out as she pulled open the door and stepped outside. Her years of training at the court of her uncle prevented her from screaming when she looked into Ino's lifeless eyes. They made her feel like all hope was lost and she was a bug with a boot about to crush her.
Ino made a hand sign in her face, freezing her in place. She drew within herself, calling out her 'friend' persona and putting 'The Master' back to sleep until she would be needed once again.
"Sorry, Yuka, I needed time to compose myself," Ino said, taking the frozen girl's arm and leading her back into the room, releasing her from the jutsu as they walked.
Yuka blinked rapidly, her senses slowly returning to normal as the jutsu released its grip. She shook her head slightly, trying to dispel the lingering unease. "You really scared me for a moment, Ino," she said, her voice trembling but lightening with a nervous laugh as the memory of what she had seen faded. "I thought you were about to snap my head off."
Ino offered a reassuring smile, her eyes now warm and familiar. "I'm sorry, Yuka. The pressure is just getting to me. I am sure a good night's rest will do wonders."
Yuka nodded, the color returning to her cheeks. "So, what's our next move? We can't afford any more missteps."
Ino glanced out the window, then back at Yuka. "We need to dig deeper into Tsukasa's connections. If he's manipulating the court with some kind of jutsu, we need to find out how and why. I need you to speak with the court ladies and see if they can reveal anything without knowing they're helping us. Meanwhile, I will keep an eye on Tsukasa. He will think it is you he is talking to, hopefully, he does something stupid."
Yuka agreed, her confidence returning. "Got it. We'll uncover whatever he's hiding. Together, we can do this."
"Absolutely," Ino affirmed, once again her friend persona was unwavering, I little voice in the back of her head was thinking she overdid the 'I am a Friend' jutsu on Yuka. "Let's get to work."
…
Later that night, Ino dressed in a resplendent gown befitting a princess. The fabric shimmered with every step, adorned with intricate designs of cherry blossoms and cranes interwoven with gold thread, reflecting the grandeur of the occasion. Her hair, elegantly styled and adorned with delicate hairpins, caught the light as she moved gracefully. Accompanied by murmurs and whispers that followed her like a shadow, Ino was escorted to the grand hall, her presence immediately drawing the eyes of many.
As she traversed the hall, courtiers and nobles alike stole glances—some admiring, others envious. The grand hall itself was a marvel, adorned with opulent decorations and filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of fine porcelain.
Approaching the Daimyo, Ino's steps were measured and graceful. She bowed deeply, offering a respectful greeting to the Daimyo and the esteemed guest from the Hot Water Country. "Welcome, my lord," she said with a warm smile, her voice carrying the perfect blend of respect and charm. "We are honored by your presence."
Acknowledged with a nod from the Daimyo, Ino gracefully made her way to her assigned seat, strategically positioned a few seats away from Tsukasa. He was a tall man with slicked-back hair, tied into a ponytail in the style of a samurai. Adorned in a formal Japanese noble's kimono, the luxurious silk bore intricate embroidery shimmering under the hall's lighting. The garments, a striking blend of black and navy, set him apart amidst the brightly colored attire of the other nobles. Jewels glittered on his fingers, diamonds catching and reflecting light with every movement, hinting at immense wealth. At his side stood a minor court lady from a less distinguished family, her presence almost insignificant in the grand scheme of the evening.
Tsukasa's presence commanded attention. His sharp, chiseled features and piercing eyes exuded confidence and charm, drawing gazes from across the room. The play of light and shadow on his face added an air of mystery to his persona. His deep voice, resonant and melodic, carried through the hall as he regaled the table with tales of sailing the eastern seas, weaving stories of battles with pirates and encounters with sea monsters. Each word was carefully chosen, captivating his audience and making them hang on his every word.
Ino observed beneath his polished exterior, an almost imperceptible edge to his demeanor—a subtle coldness in his eyes when he thought no one was looking, a fleeting smirk hinting at something darker. His charm and wealth masked a dangerous cunning, hidden in plain sight, as he effortlessly blended in with the noble crowd.
As the dinner progressed, Ino savored a sip of wine, its rich flavor lingering on her palate. She made a point to look directly at Tsukasa, her gaze unwavering until he finally noticed. Their eyes met, and she looked away, hiding a sly smile behind her hand. The subtle play of power and intrigue was palpable, the first move in a game of shadows and secrets that was just beginning.
The evening unfolded with a series of elaborate courses, each more exquisite than the last, accompanied by traditional music and occasional performances from skilled entertainers. Between dishes, courtiers mingled in polite conversation and exchanged pleasantries.
During one such interval, Ino saw her opportunity. Rising gracefully from her seat, she made her way toward the refreshment table, deliberately passing close to Tsukasa's seat. As she did, she let her fan slip from her hand, allowing it to fall near Tsukasa's feet.
"Oh, how clumsy of me," Ino said, her voice soft and melodic as she bent to retrieve the fan, ensuring her eyes met Tsukasa's once more.
Tsukasa, always playing the gentleman, swiftly stood and picked up the fan before she could. "Allow me, my lady," he said, handing it back to her with a charming smile.
"Thank you, Tsukasa-san," Ino replied, her fingers brushing his as she took the fan. "I've heard many fascinating tales of your adventures this evening. Your exploits on the eastern seas must be thrilling." As she allowed his chakra to flow up her arm like a snake, she tilted her head ever so slightly, giving the impression of succumbing to his jutsu. However, beneath her smile, she felt his influence falter against her formidable defenses—a subtle victory hidden behind her smile.
Tsukasa's smile widened, clearly pleased, thinking he had captured her mind in his web of lies. "Indeed, Lady Yuka. The seas hold many secrets and dangers, but also great rewards for those bold enough to seek them."
Ino tilted her head slightly, feigning innocent curiosity. "I would love to hear more about your journeys, perhaps over a quieter setting than this grand hall?"
Tsukasa's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "It would be my honor, Lady Yuka. Perhaps after the formalities of this evening, we might find a moment to converse in the north gardens?"
"That sounds delightful," Ino said, her smile returning, this time showing a hint of genuine anticipation for his benefit. "I shall look forward to it."
With that, she returned to her seat, the subtle play of power and intrigue unfolding around her. Trained from birth as the head of the Yamanaka clan, Ino had honed herself for such games. The dance of power and the play of words were her domain. As a master of this intricate game of deception and influence, where every move was calculated, she felt at home. Here, every word was a strategic maneuver, and Ino navigated the complexities with the skill and confidence of someone born into the shadows.
….
Under the watchful gaze of the moon overhead, the north gardens took on a mystical aura. Silver light filtered through the leaves, casting patterns on the winding paths and illuminating the Zen garden's meticulously arranged stones. Ino navigated the tranquil setting with a calm demeanor, head held low as if ashamed to be meeting a man this late at night, her steps quiet on the gravel path as she approached the meeting spot.
The moonlight lent an otherworldly glow to the cherry blossoms, their delicate petals shimmering in the gentle breeze. Ino found herself drawn to a secluded area where a stone bench stood beneath a blossoming cherry tree. Its branches swayed softly, creating a dance of shadows and light on the ground.
Seated now, Ino waited, her chakra senses keenly attuned to her surroundings. The night air carried faint whispers of leaves and the distant murmur of water from a nearby fountain, adding to the garden's serene ambiance. Despite the tranquility, she remained vigilant, her chakra subtly extended to detect any signs of hidden watchers or traps.
The moon, a silent witness to their meeting, cast a silvery glow over everything, imbuing the garden with an air of mystery and quiet contemplation. Ino's expression was a mask of polite interest, yet beneath it lay a mind honed by years of espionage and intrigue, ready to unravel the web of deception that surrounded Tsukasa.
"I hope you haven't been waiting long?" Tsukasa's voice broke the stillness of the garden as he approached from behind. Ino remained composed, her training preventing her from spinning around in surprise. He had closed the distance to within a step or two before she sensed his presence behind her. This was no mere merchant seeking a casual encounter. Only a highly trained shinobi could have approached so stealthily without her knowing.
"Not long. Did you take a different path?" Ino inquired, her tone casual yet probing. She was well aware that there was only one gate into the garden, and he had approached from the north side. The northern wall loomed tall, concealing a drop of hundreds of feet. Had he scaled the wall or entered from the castle above? His skills remained a mystery, and she needed to unravel them quickly.
"There is but the one gate, dear Yuka. I was over by the Koi pond lost in thought," he replied smoothly, his tone as polished as ever as he circled around to take a seat next to her. He had spent enough time with the maids and court ladies to know she had no suitors. What game was he playing now?
It was then, as he dared to take her hand, that she felt the force of his Jutsu again. He hadn't noticed his failure the first time and was being bold now, assuming she was under his control. Ino maintained her facade, her expression softening as if she were genuinely captivated by him.
"The night air is cold. I think we should retire to my chambers to 'talk,'" his words were as smooth as silk, but the force he used to pull her to her feet was anything but gentle, revealing the true nature of a man accustomed to control.
Ino's mind raced, analyzing his intentions. 'Is the fool going to try to bed me?' she thought, remaining silent to observe his next move. 'If he dares touch me, I will remove his balls.' She allowed herself to be led, her outward demeanor calm and compliant, while inwardly, she prepared for any eventuality.
They walked ever quicker as she felt more of his chakra being used on her. Not a word was spoken as they weaved through long hallways, deeper into the castle. This was not the way to the guest quarters or any other living area. His silence indicated his confidence in the jutsu to keep her quiet and calm. Looking up at him out of the corner of her eye, she observed the transformation as the gentleman of the court was replaced by a cold and calculating spy executing his mission.
Ino's mind remained sharp and focused, analyzing each twist and turn, each subtle shift in his demeanor. She allowed him to believe she was ensnared, while inwardly, she prepared for the confrontation she knew was imminent. The game of shadows and secrets was to be played in the dark.
Suddenly, they entered a hidden passageway behind a tapestry, descending a narrow staircase illuminated only by moonlight filtering through small windows cut into the very stone of the wall. They reached a chamber deep beneath the castle. The room was ancient, filled with relics and symbols of the Moon Priests freshly painted on the walls in what looked like blood.
Tsukasa finally spoke, his voice no longer smooth but sharp and commanding. "You are one of the last ones, Lady Yuka. You must be the one we are looking for."
Ino's eyes widened slightly, but she kept her composure, continuing to play the part of Yuka, still waiting to see what this was all about.
Before Ino could react, the chamber was flooded with a cold, pale light. From the shadows emerged a figure clad in flowing red robes, a crescent moon emblem clearly visible on his robe as he moved nearer. It was a figure she had never heard of but could guess was some kind of Moon Priest from the emblem alone.
"The time has come, Tsukasa," he said, his voice echoing with an ethereal quality. "She must be the one we are looking for. Let us perform the ritual; we are close to calling the Moon God to us."
Ino's mind raced. She had never seen or heard of a Moon God, and their motives so far were unclear. The symbols and the eerie atmosphere hinted at something ancient and powerful, but she couldn't piece it together yet.
Tsukasa's grip on her arm tightened. "She is one of the last in the castle. She must be the one, Your Holiness."
Ino took a deep breath, centering herself. She had anticipated a confrontation, but this alliance between Tsukasa and these unknown priests was unexpected.
The priest stepped closer, his presence radiating an almost palpable energy. "Move her to the center. The ritual must be completed before the moon moves out of alignment for the night."
She feigned compliance, allowing Tsukasa to lead her toward an ancient altar in the center of the chamber. "What is going on?" she asked, her voice steady, still acting the part of a confused princess.
As they approached the altar, a seal on the floor began to glow brighter, and Tsukasa placed her in the center. Before she had a chance to move and break free, the glowing turned into a flash and faded away, leaving the room in darkness as her eyes adjusted to the dim light.
"You have failed me once again, Tsukasa. She is not the pure one. Clear her mind like the others," said the priest, dismissing them with a wave of his hand. With a swirl of robes, he retreated back into the shadows once again.
"What? What is happening?" she said, trying to get him to talk as if she was just now awakening from his jutsu.
"Be quiet, woman. Your chakra is not pure. We need to find the one the Moon God needs to restore his strength, only your idiot sister remains." said Tsukasa as he not so gently yanked her off the altar, holding her by the shoulders and glaring into her eyes.
"May these sweet dreams be your memory of this night. Let them fill you with contentment," he said, making a set of hand signs in the blink of an eye and flooding her mind with images of a night of passion with him as the center of her world.
As she reeled under the force of the jutsu, Ino retreated into her own mind, letting the jutsu overtake the persona she had been using to guard her inner self. She could see flashes of images of them walking back the way they came until she stood at his chamber doors.
"It was wonderful having you tonight, my lady. May the memories of this night never fade from your heart, but I cannot be the man you need. There is another I must have. Do not fight this, for it is how it must be." His words were the final seal of the jutsu, laying on her the last layer.
Ino's mind closed off the effect of the jutsu, letting it overcome the part of herself she allowed to play the court lady. But as she walked back to the rooms she shared with Yuka and Tomiko, she forced that persona down deep to be destroyed along with the jutsu that controlled it.
Tsukasa would learn that the last person you want to use a mind control jutsu on was the Josei Senshi of the Yamanaka clan.
….
"Ino, thank god you're back! I have been so worried," said Yuka as she hugged Ino and kicked the door closed with a practiced foot.
Stepping back from the hug, Ino gave her a small smile. Her mind was still reeling from the battle with the jutsu, and she hadn't had a chance to call on any of her more friendly personas, forcing her to react as her true self.
"Nothing to worry about, I can handle myself," she said, walking past Yuka to take a seat.
"Easy for you to say. It's nearly morning! You and Tomiko have been out of sight, and no one seemed to know what happened to you—or I should say, me—after the dinner," said Yuka.
"All night? But I have only been gone an hour or two," said Ino, looking around as if to check the time.
"It's almost morning. I thought you had ended up in Tsukasa's bed," said Yuka, worry and concern on her face.
"What about Tomiko? You said she was still out?" said Ino in a commanding voice, shocking Yuka with her reaction. The overly soft Ino was gone, at least for now.
"Yes, she sometimes spends the night with the younger maids, playing games," said Yuka, staring at Ino as if she were a stranger.
Ino bolted for the door, Yuka close behind. "What is it? Ino, talk to me," said Yuka as they both ran down the hallway to the stairs to the lower levels. The maids' quarters were just below, and soon Ino was pounding on all the doors as she went. Any game of pretense was over; this was too important. Tsukasa's words that there was only one other rang in her ears.
"Where is Tomiko?" Ino yelled at the gathered maids as they each ran out of their rooms at the noise, half-asleep in their nightgowns and looking confused.
"Tomiko went back to her rooms after dinner," said one of the maids, whom Yuka knew her sister was close to.
"Damn it, call the guards! We have to find her, NOW!" yelled Ino as she turned to run back to the main halls, hoping she could remember where that room with the Moon Priest was. The jutsu she thought she had defeated had somehow clouded her mind. That wouldn't happen again; she was going to take the head of the snake once she found him.
Ino dashed through the castle, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls as she retraced the path to the hidden chamber. Yuka struggled to keep up, her breath coming in quick gasps as they rounded corner after corner. Ino's mind raced, desperate to remember the exact location of the room where she had encountered the Moon Priest. Every shadow seemed to hide potential danger, and every turn brought a new wave of anxiety.
Finally, she reached the tapestry that concealed the hidden passageway. She pushed it aside and descended the narrow staircase two steps at a time, Yuka following close behind. The dim moonlight filtering through the small windows barely illuminated their way, but Ino's determination kept her moving.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Ino didn't hesitate. She burst into the chamber, her eyes scanning the room frantically. There, lying on the cold stone floor, was Tomiko. Her small form was motionless, and for a heart-stopping moment, Ino feared the worst.
"Tomiko!" Ino cried out, rushing to her side. She dropped to her knees, her hands gently shaking the girl. "Tomiko, wake up! Please, wake up!"
Yuka stumbled into the room behind her, her eyes wide with fear. "Is she…?"
Ino quickly checked Tomiko's pulse and sighed in relief when she found it, though it was faint. "She's alive," Ino said, her voice a mix of relief and urgency. "But she's been affected by something."
Just then, Ino noticed the faint glow of a seal on Tomiko's forehead. The same symbol she had seen earlier. "This is the Moon Priests' doing," she muttered. "We have to break the seal."
Yuka nodded, her face pale. "How?"
Ino closed her eyes, concentrating on her chakra. She reached out with her mind, delving into the seal's complex layers. It was a powerful and intricate jutsu, but Ino's skills were formidable. Slowly, she began to unravel it, her chakra weaving through the layers of the seal.
Minutes passed as Ino worked, sweat forming on her brow. Finally, with a final surge of chakra, the seal broke, its glow fading away. Tomiko stirred, her eyes fluttering open.
"Ino?" she whispered, her voice weak.
"I'm here, Tomiko," Ino said, relief flooding her. "You're safe now."
Tomiko's eyes filled with tears as she clung to Ino. "I was so scared…"
"It's okay," Ino soothed, her voice gentle. "You're safe. We'll make sure nothing like this ever happens again."
But just as they started to stand, a chilling voice echoed through the chamber. "You've only delayed the inevitable, Lady Yuka. The Moon God will rise, and there is nothing you can do to stop it."
Ino turned, her heart sinking as she saw the silhouette of the Moon Priest standing at the entrance of the chamber, flanked by several robed figures. Tsukasa stood beside them, his expression cold and triumphant.
"You think you can defy us?" the priest continued. "You've only made things worse for yourselves."
Ino's mind raced, knowing that they were outnumbered and trapped. The sense of victory she had felt moments ago was replaced by a gnawing dread. She glanced at Yuka and Tomiko, their faces reflecting the same fear she felt.
"This isn't over," Ino said, her voice steady despite the fear. "We will stop you."
The priest's laughter echoed through the chamber. "We'll see about that."
As the robed figures advanced, Ino prepared herself for the fight of her life, knowing that their battle against the Moon Priests had only just begun.
Ino crouched protectively over Tomiko, her mind racing as the Moon Priest and his robed followers advanced into the chamber. Yuka, standing off to the side, had managed to stay hidden in the shadows, but her eyes were ablaze with anger.
Ino quickly assessed her surroundings. The chamber was filled with relics and symbols of the Moon Priests, and the ancient altar stood at the center. She knew she had to use her skills and the environment to their advantage. With a deep breath, she activated her Mind Body Switch Technique, aiming for the robed figure in the back. Her mind connected with his, and she quickly took control, using his body to attack the others.
The possessed figure lunged at his companions, causing confusion and chaos. The robed figures turned on each other, unsure of who the true enemy was. Ino returned to her body to use this distraction to her advantage, pulling a blade from under her robes she struck the nearest priest. The kunai flashed in the dim light, finding the weak flesh of the priest as they still fought among themselves. She was a blur of motion, her training as a shinobi evident as first one and then other priest lay on the floor unmoving.
Yuka, meanwhile, had found her own weapon—a discarded staff leaning against the wall. With a fierce cry, she charged into the fray, swinging the staff with surprising strength and accuracy. The priest recoiled, caught off guard by her sudden attack. Yuka's anger fueled her movements, and she fought with a ferocity born of desperation and the need to protect her sister.
The Old Moon Priest watched the chaos unfold with a mix of anger and amusement. "Fools," he muttered, raising his hands to cast a powerful jutsu. A dark, swirling energy formed around him, and he aimed it at Ino.
Ino sensed the danger and quickly dodged the attack the dark energy struck the wall behind her, leaving a scorched mark as the stone wall seemed to melt. Ino knew she had to take the priest down quickly before he could cast another jutsu.
"Yuka, keep them busy!" Ino shouted, focusing her chakra for a decisive strike.
Yuka nodded, her eyes filled with anger. She swung the staff in a wide arc, keeping the remaining robed figures at bay. "Come on, you bastards!" she yelled, her voice filled with defiance. "You picked the wrong princess to mess with!"
Ino channeled her chakra into her hands, forming the hand seals for her signature technique. "Mind Destruction Jutsu!" she called out, directing her chakra at the old Moon Priest. The priest's eyes widened in shock as the technique took hold, his mind assaulted by a barrage of mental images and sensations he thought were long gone.
He staggered, clutching his head in agony. "No... this can't be..." he muttered, his voice trembling, the battle was wholly within himself as he fought the terrors of his how mind.
Ino seized the opportunity, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. She struck with a swift and powerful kick, sending the priest crashing to the ground. Before he could recover, she pressed a kunai to his throat, her eyes cold and determined to end this now.
Before Ino could finish him, Tsukasa appeared, his presence immediately changing the dynamic. "You think you can win, you fools?" he sneered, his tone filled with menace.
He formed a series of rapid hand seals, and a powerful gust of wind chakra shot through the room, knocking Ino off the old priest, and sending her crashing into the far wall.
Ino braced herself for another attack, "You won't get away with this," she said, her voice steely.
Tsukasa's lips curled into a sinister smile. "We already have.", his gaze fell on Tomiko still barely moving on the floor.
With a swift movement, he launched another jutsu, creating a blinding flash of light that momentarily disoriented everyone in the room. When the light faded, the remaining priests were already retreating, taking advantage of the chaos to escape.
Ino moved to intercept them, her kunai flashing as she struck down another priest. She turned her attention back to the head Moon Priest, but Tsukasa was already moving to protect him. They clashed in a flurry of blows, their skills evenly matched. Yuka, seeing an opening, lunged at one of the fleeing priests, managing to strike him down with her staff, only to have another kick her, knocking the wind out of her. As she lay on the floor, a robed figure yanked the staff from her hands and, with a roar, beat it down on her side over and over in a frenzy of rage.
Ino, hearing the sound of breaking ribs, knew she had to end this quickly before Yuka was killed. She used a burst of chakra to enhance her speed, catching Tsukasa off guard with a swift, precise kick that sent him sprawling. She moved to end him by driving the kunai into his chest, but he managed to slip sideways at the last moment, his expression dark with rage.
"This isn't over," Tsukasa hissed, blood dripping from his shoulder as he pulled the kunai out. "The Moon God will rise."
Before Ino could respond, Tsukasa threw the kunai at Yuka. As she screamed, wrapping her hands around the handle of the blade in her gut, he formed another series of hand seals, disappearing as smoke filled the room, blinding everyone. The room fell silent; the only sound was Yuka's cries.
Still blinded by the smoke, Ino dropped to the floor and crawled over to where she could hear Yuka, running her hand up Yuka's leg until she found the blade embedded in her. She pulled it free as Yuka screamed and tried to kick her away in her agony.
"Hold still so I can heal you!" screamed Ino, fear and anger at her own failures making her voice shake.
Her skills were far from Sakura's, and already low on chakra, she focused on stopping the bleeding. She needed Yuka stable to move her and Tomiko out of this hellhole to safety.
"Great Wind Vacuum!" a voice yelled out, a jutsu pulling the air and smoke out of the room only to have fresh air rush back in before they all blacked out.
"Move, move, move, get them out of here," said the same voice. Ino, looking up from the floor, recognized one of the twelve guardian shinobi.
"What took you so long?" she said, nearing chakra exhaustion, having used everything she had to save Yuka.
"I felt the chakra from the battle. You spy types need to talk more. If we knew you were here, we could have helped," he said as two more of the guardians came in and carried them out of the room and up into the main castle. Calls for medics and doctors filled the air as a small army of maids and other staff rushed around the three. The confusion at seeing two Yuka quickly faded as they did their best to take care of them all.
As Ino lay on the stretcher, her body and mind exhausted, she watched the flurry of activity around her. The castle staff worked tirelessly to tend to Yuka and Tomiko, their faces a mix of worry and fear. Ino's thoughts lingered on Tsukasa's words and the Moon Priests' dark ritual.
"This isn't over," she whispered to herself, feeling the weight of the battle settled heavily on her shoulders. "But I will be ready for whatever comes next."
With those words she let herself succumb to the exhaustion, knowing that the fight was far from finished, and the true battle was only just beginning.