Scarlet Justice - ep. 29
"Say My Name!"
[Chuunin Exams: Prologue]
A few days have passed since the lunch outing. Hina and I add another to our exercise group.
"Running this early is a good idea. I don't know why I didn't think of it," Kurenai says. We're doing our daily criss-crossing of the Leaf, which started as part of our experimental runs in the early days. The local support gave Hina a bit of confidence, and people have expressed to me that they find it inspiring to see a member of the Hyuuga Main House working hard every day. They don't get out much or mix with what they like to call the rabble. Logically, it makes sense. Socially, it's stupid. Personally, it's what I expect from a clan filled to the brim with savages who pose as human beings.
"It's too bad that...Shino couldn't come with us," Hina says as we run. "It would be nice to have us all together..."
"You're too concerned about that idiot," I say. "If he wants to stay home until the official time, then let him. A good child, but clearly a hassle when it comes to anything social."
"Still..."
I sigh as we continue moving through the Leaf. It's just past dawn by now and we pass other regular runners who greet us as usual. Something...has been bothering me, though. I've taken note of people who aren't from around here, specifically from other villages. If it's not their clothing that makes them stand out, it's their reactions to the weather. Some seem to find even this day far too cold, which says a lot.
"Sensei...there are a lot of foreigners in lately, no?" I ask Kurenai.
"Something like that. Seems like an event is coming up soon...I'll ask Lord Hokage about it later, since I'm not sure what it's about either."
"I wonder...what it could be?" Hinata asks. "This time of year has a lot going on, I think..."
I shrug. "Who knows. Hopefully it's not a bother for us."
I see Kurenai glance upwards briefly, before returning her focus to the road ahead. I wonder if she's expecting something after all...maybe. I don't want to worry about it.
"Let's speed up a bit, ladies."
I take the lead and accelerate, feeling them fall in line behind me. The colours of the Hidden Leaf start to blend in the sun's light.
"Ah...w-wow..."
"So this is your power, Kobayashi."
I show off the first stage of my chakra mode today. Kurenai has left us to train on her own, citing a sudden errand she needed to run. Now that I've had plenty of practice, it's much easier settling into this form. The second stage will be reserved for emergencies, but...with time, that too will change.
"I wish...I had that kind of talent," Hina says. She straightens up a moment later. "But I can work on my own craft..."
"You're doing well, Hinata," Shino assures her. "Because not all of us can be geniuses like Kobayashi here."
"Thank you, I appreciate hearing that. Um...Shino? I wanted to ask a question."
"Of course. What do you require of me?"
"I wanted to know why you always call Lili by her family name. Is it...something you do as a custom? In the Aburame Clan?"
"Nothing like that. I simply do it because...it's cooler that way. Having a teammate that you call by their family name exudes prestige and mystery. It makes our team look a lot cooler."
"Mm...I see..."
"Boys are complicated like that," I say as I release the jutsu. "So don't worry about it, Hina. Although...I guess according to that metric, it means I have a masculine aura?"
"Correct," Shino replies confidently.
I give him a wearied look. "You really can't read women, Shino."
"Perhaps." You're not supposed to admit to that. "But I can read you and Hinata well enough. You don't mind those kinds of labels as much as Hinata and Kurenai-sensei do. Image isn't something terribly important in the eyes of the world to you, Kobayashi."
"..." He's not wrong, at least. And I admit that being called by my last name in that stoic kind of voice does add cool points. Hm. Maybe boys aren't terribly hard to understand after all. "I guess I'm fine with that."
"Right." He pushes his glasses up. "And I've been thinking for a while...you should also have a nickname. Something to be feared."
"Something like that...does Lili need one?" Hina asks.
"Yes. It increases the power and range of her aura. Something like...the Red Tornado of the Hidden Leaf, for example."
"I-Is that really that powerful?" She already seems like she's believing it, so most likely.
"Who knows. Maybe you can try it out while introducing me, Shino." I think on it for a moment.
"Alright. I'll find the proper opening."
"Is that really okay, Lili?" Hina asks me.
"It's fine. We'll work something out," I say with a lazy wave. Well, now I have to figure out a super cool name or else Shino will do it for me. And his sense of aesthetic is nothing compared to mine, so I have to make it in time...I'll consult with Luna and Midori as soon as I get home later today.
This is a matter of extreme importance.
"Oh, you're still here." Kurenai has returned, with paperwork, apparently.
"You're still running errands," I say to her.
"Almost done. This is one of my last stops, and these are for you."
She hands us a piece of paper each. These are...
"We just had a meeting regarding the Chuunin Selection Exams. I know it's early, and it might seem like a bit much...but you've all progressed nicely and made many great strides so far. As a result, I've nominated all three of you for these examinations. If you choose to decline, they take place twice a year. So...you can back out, if you want. Room 301 in the Academy, 4 pm tomorrow. That's the deadline for you to hand those papers in."
"You're sure about this?" Shino asks.
"Yeah, I am." She gives us all a sunny smile. "I believe in each one of you. Don't forget that. Well, I've got a bit more work before I can turn in. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow, and remember...it's all up to you now. I'll be seeing you."
She disappears in a cloud of smoke.
"Dramatic exits at this hour," I mumble. "Hmph."
I'm terribly excited right now, though I don't let it show on my face. The place where legacies begin: The Chuunin Exams.
Finally...it's time to get started!
The day shifted as soon as we left the training field. It became unbearably hot for some reason, and hasn't cooled down much since. I thank the heavens for this wealth of ours, because it allows us to bless ourselves with the wonders of central air.
It's still hot, though. I take a shower as soon as I come in, and Luna is dressed lightly for the day. Midori is visiting again, and she's laid herself out on the couch in her underwear. Her fan waves back and forth in one hand. I wear a light shirt and shorts on account of the heat.
"Ah. So the examinations are happening this soon...very interesting," she says.
"We had an important discussion earlier. I need a cool name. Shino will ruin it if I don't find one first."
"Oh, we can't have that. Hmm...need to think of something."
"I have ideas," Luna says as she wipes down the kitchen table. "Something flashy...how about...hm. What about Crimson Flash?"
"Something with snakes in it," Midori says. "Bloody Fang."
"Red Devil, maybe."
"Blood Serpent."
"Flame Tyrant!"
"Sanguine Sidewinder!"
"Maroon Marauder!"
"Carmine Cobra! Luna, what the hell?"
"What? What's wrong?"
"Your naming sense is horrific!"
"Horrific? Me? What are you talking about with...Blood Serpent? What even is that?!"
"Maroon Marauder? Are you drunk at this time of day, or what?"
"I was just saying the first thing that came to mind!" Luna yells.
"Maybe you shouldn't next time," Midori says.
A huff. "Well, excuse me. What should I come up with next, something you'd like, right? Why not Deathstroke the Terminator? Is that edgy enough for you?"
"You've got a mouth on you-"
"Don't get smart with me-"
The two of them can really get into it over the silliest things. It isn't a serious argument - it never is with them, far as I know - but I'd like to settle it soon. Something cool...flashy, yet not too much so. Something that's definitely a bit scary, and adds to the power of my aura. An intense feeling that builds each time it's uttered by people in this world and the next.
I want them all to say my name. And I want them to tremble as they do it.
Midori wants...something with snakes.
Luna wants...something with colour.
They're two parts of me. Important pieces that I want to carry with me always. I want to honour them as well.
Midori sees me as...a predator. Someone dangerous in the most beautiful way. Striking and withdrawing in an instant, before my prey can react in time.
Luna sees me as...a princess. A girl with a head of beautiful scarlet hair, that should be cherished and protected. Someone who deserves to be waited on until the end of her days.
I understand who I am now...so it's time. The world will soon know my terror.
"This is my time...to show everyone what I'm made of."
Luna and Midori stop their bickering to look at me. I cross my arms and stand tall.
"I will lead my comrades through with my strength. For those who believe in me, and for those who have supported me, I will become fury itself. My name is Lili Kobayashi...the Hidden Leaf's Scarlet Viper!"
They both clap happily.
"What a powerful debut! It's perfect!" Midori says.
"You look amazing! So cool!" Luna says.
I allow myself a smile and toss my hair back dramatically. Yes, that did sound cool, didn't it? Mission accomplished.
"So you're going to sign the form, right?" Midori asks me.
"Yes. Of course I was going to do that," I say. I really was...I mean, eventually.
"It should be a foregone conclusion, you passing the exams, but Kurenai did say you don't have to do this right away. You're still young, you know."
"Trying to discourage me?" I ask as I sign the form properly.
"Goodness, no. I'm just thinking out loud...hopefully your teammates don't have similar thoughts. It would be bad if they did."
"Hmph. I wonder who you think I am, Midori-nee. If there's a problem, then all I have to do is show my face to them, and calm their hearts. We fight this fight together, or not at all."
"Ha, well said." Midori points her fan towards the door. "Then show them your strength, Lili. Onward!"
"Onward!" I call back. I head through the door and to my next destination.
The Aburame District is familiar enough to me, and I find Shino's home from memory. Modest in size, yet with an interesting look. It's isolated, and surrounded by trees. An ideal spot for the Leaf's premier bug-using clan.
Shino is outside, and there's a man with him who looks a lot like him, save for the moustache. His glasses are also different, and seem quite expensive despite the simple look to them. Interesting. The two spot me, and I wave as I approach.
"Shino, is that your teammate?" the older man asks.
"Yes, Father. Shall I introduce you, comrade?"
"No need," I say with a wave of my hand. "I'm the Scarlet Viper of the Hidden Leaf," I say confidently. "Lilith Kobayashi. But Lili is also fine."
"So you're Kobayashi," he says. "Interesting aura..."
Yes. There's no doubt that this is Shino's father.
"I am Shibi Aburame, the current head of the Hidden Leaf's Aburame Clan."
"It's an honour meeting you, sir." I shake his hand without hesitation.
"You have good eyes, too. So what brings you here, Kobayashi?"
"I came to reassure my comrade of my participation in the Chuunin Exams. My paper is already signed."
"You don't need to worry about that. I have things to prove as well," Shino says.
"Then I will see you at 3 pm tomorrow."
"Of course."
"Good. I'm going to check on Hina. Shino, Master Aburame...until the next."
"Kobayashi."
"Yes?"
Shino gives me a thumbs up. "It's a good name." I see Shibi nod in approval behind him.
I return the gesture before taking off.
I arrive in front of the Hyuuga estate and wait for Hinata to come out. The guards give me dismissive looks as I stand in front of them with my arms folded. As said before, I will deal with their arrogance in time.
Hinata emerges wearing a pure white robe, trailed by several members of her family. They seem displeased at the sight of me.
"Lili..."
"Hina. I've come to check on you..."
"I know. I...was thinking about whether or not I should take the exams this time. I wasn't sure if I was ready. But...standing here, looking at you...I know what I have to do."
She produces the form, and I can see her signature on the bottom. I smile.
"Together...we can do anything. That's why no matter what happens, I'll follow you. To the end of the world, to the many hells and back again if need be. I will follow you, forever and always, Lili."
"Hina...thank you."
"I should be thanking you. You're the one who gave me life again. My precious family."
"I promise we'll make it through to the end. Count on me."
"I will."
"3 pm tomorrow. Shino will be there with us. We'll prove ourselves as Team Eight!" I shout.
"Yes!"
"See you then, Hina!"
I wave before taking off again. The stage is now set...all I have to do is make a few more preparations.
Upon my arrival home, I smell steak. And my favourite curly fries, now in a spicy hot flavour. Luna can't handle it, but she thought I would be able to.
They're great. Delicious. A new dimension of heat and flavour.
"It must be because you were born a western child...I can't handle that sort of heat," Luna says.
"So you've assembled your team," Midori says to me at the table. "Well done. The first hurdle is cleared. Now you simply have to take on all challengers, but that won't be a problem, will it?"
"It won't be, Midori-nee."
"Do your best...and no matter what happens, I will always be proud of you, Lili."
"The same for me," Luna says. "Be strong, and come home to us as a proud kunoichi. We'll be waiting."
"Thank you both." I give them a grin. "This Scarlet Viper won't let you down."
It's 3 pm.
I arrive at the Academy building as planned. Shino and Hinata are already waiting for me.
Time to take the lead. For honour and glory.
"Shall we go?" I ask.
"Yeah," Shino replies.
"I'm ready," Hina says.
"Okay. As soon as we get inside, we can..." I trail off as I notice something ahead. It's...a box. With eye holes.
"It seems there's an obstacle in front of us," Shino says.
"Ah? You're right. Looks tough, too...maybe I should use a technique to get rid of it..." I have a few snakes poke out of my sleeves.
"W-wait!" Confirming my suspicions, the box rises up to reveal three idiot kids inside. One with goggles, another with glasses and yet another stupid bowl cut, and the last is a girl with her hair tied upwards into twintails.
What even is...
"Devil-nee-san! What's your plot this time, huh?" the goggle-head asks.
"Hm? Devil sister...what's with that title?"
"You're trying to tempt Naruto-nii, aren't ya? I know you are!"
"Tempt? Naruto?"
"Yeah! We saw you with him at the ramen shop! Don't you know he already has a woman?!"
I sigh. Hina isn't taking it well, either, what with her crushing on him. "We're just friends, idiot. I could care...I mean, it's no business of mine who he dates. I'm not interested in guys."
"Not...interested?" He looks confused.
"Not interested. You'll find out what that means when you're older. Let's go, team."
"Wait! Devil Sis!"
"What..."
He stands proudly and points towards me. "Remember the name! I'm Naruto-nii's rival and future Hokage, Konohamaru Sarutobi!"
I raise a brow. This kid is the Third's grandson? Well, I'm sure he would forgive me if I gave him a few bruises for his idiocy...but that's good to know. Interesting, too. Might as well give him something for his trouble.
"My name is Lilith Kobayashi, the Scarlet Viper of the Leaf. I'll be sure to remember you, Konohamaru Sarutobi."
"Y-yeah!"
"We really should get going," Shino says.
"Plenty of time. No need to worry," I reply. I give Konohamaru one more glance before moving ahead.
Spirited little child...and Naruto's apprentice, apparently. With the same amount of meat to brain ratio. Which means he's probably learned that transformation art too. Annoying.
"..."
But then, it's nice to see the next generation already being nurtured. Hopefully Naruto's better traits rub off on him.
We enter the building on the bottom floor. Some teams are still milling about.
"Alright, Hina."
"Yes." She activates her Byakugan without a sound and scans the area. "There are...a lot of people on the second floor for some reason. I think there's a genjutsu there...the third floor where we need to go is mostly clear. I think we should...avoid trouble..."
"On the other hand, we can scout a good deal of our competition," Shino points out. "Information is king."
"Um...it's up to Lili, as our leader."
I close my eyes and think. Hina has a good point in that we could avoid problems, but Shino brings up an equally strong point in that we can gain information about our possible foes. We still have forty five minutes before the deadline.
No...I know what I want to do. Have a little fun at someone else's expense.
I turn to Hina and grin, making her sigh in response. She knows my answer just from that.
"Time to stir up some trouble on the second floor~"
"P-please don't do anything too dangerous..."
"We should be fine, Hinata. After all...the most bloodthirsty person in the examination is probably in our group," Shino says.
"Oh? Is that how people see me?" I ask.
"Somewhat."
I shrug. "Well, I guess it fits. Let's head up while we still have time to waste."
And so, up the stairs we go.
The game is afoot.