Scarlet Justice - ep. 48
"Whimsy"

"This should be the last one. With the delay for results, we should be done just before we send you home."

Ruki draws what is supposed to be the last vial of blood from my veins with the vacuum tube needle, the same as she's been using the whole week. She's as delicate as always and holds the cotton ball against my skin herself before releasing it. Shinobi have different physiology, and deal with needles faster than civilians do. Ruki works with all of us, and is very skillful in doing so.

"Thank you for your patience," she says with her lovely smile. She really is kind...I really would take her home if I could, but I couldn't deprive this hospital and the world of such a treasure. Not yet, anyways. Mm...if I find something substantial for her to do in the future, I could still steal her away. But that's a while yet, I think.

"I'm going to miss you in a few days, you know," I say while sitting in my bed.

"I know you are. And as dangerous as it might be to say it, I'll miss you too."

"I'm going to come back for you one day," I say half-seriously.

"Well. I'll be here waiting," she says with a playful smile of her own. "If it's you, I don't think I'd be able to resist the first serious offer you made, Lili. Look after the village for me until then."

"Of course."

"Oh, right. I got those notes for you that you wanted," Ruki says as she sets the tube down safely and grabs a red folder for me. "You seemed pretty alert when I was talking about the CPS yesterday."

"Mm-hm. I've been thinking about something for a long while, and wanted to see if there was any research done to that end. The Chakra Pathway System...it should be able to carry certain effects through it if I focus on that sort of use, no?"

"It could do that much, yes. Sounds dangerous, though. Make sure you're not doing anything reckless, especially after spending so much time here," she says with a frown.

"I promise I won't. This research is precisely so that I don't hurt myself."

"I see. Well, as long as you're not doing anything dangerous. You have access to that chakra mode, right?"

"Yes."

"Then a lot of those notes should be relevant to you. I wouldn't go too deep into it, though...there's a consensus that development of those sorts of things has hit a dead end."

"Is that so...well, I haven't hit the peak of my personal development yet, so it would be helpful as a means of exercising caution. Thank you for your concern, Ruki."

"My pleasure. I'll be back in a bit with your breakfast. Nothing special as usual?"

"Mm...I'm feeling like steak and eggs today."

"Oh, that's interesting," she says with a smile. "I can accommodate you for sure. How do you like them done?"

"Medium, eggs scrambled."

"Understood. See you in a while, Lili."

I nod and watch as she leaves with the blood samples, then start flipping through the notes she grabbed for me. Things about the Lightning Release Chakra Mode...the scroll didn't contain any detailed information about limitations or the like, which I suspect isn't a great concern for shinobi in general because of the precautions they're supposed to take. Training accidents happen, but they're not a regular occurrence and are generally preventable, a result of lack of caution on the part of the user. In my case, I don't think even the most detailed scroll would contain this sort of raw data, for the sake of brevity at the very least. An overly detailed technique scroll is just as bad as one with too few details to it. Picking through the useful, relevant data is a waste of time and can even be dangerous.

One day when I have time, I'll do a write-up with the relevant formulas and form it into a technique scroll for future generations. But what techniques it contains will depend on how well turned they are to my body specifically - there are certain techniques that require specific conditions to be met, and in that case I might as well keep them to myself until I get to advanced age. Time will tell.

"Let's see...chakra mode increases physical parameters with coating of lightning chakra. Appreciable increase in all relevant physical parameters...things I already know. Something here...version two with greater increases..." I flip through more papers, past information I already have from my personal training. Ah, here. Something interesting. "Stimulation of CNS leading to increase in speed, reaction time...reflexes sharply increased. As chakra level increases, consumption increases...yes, obvious. What else. Testing of extremes...reveals that increases fall back to linear growth levels past certain threshold. See chart thirteen." I find the relevant chart and look at the graph.

That's...annoying. So there's no appreciable increase past a certain point, and with my chakra levels and body type...it could even be damaging if I push things too far for too long. But this also confirms a few things. The solution isn't more chakra. I can't get a bigger boost without running myself ragged and wasting the opportunity for more techniques. So, what is it that I can do to make this more efficient?

This is where my clever idea comes into play. The CPS moves chakra around the body and is vital to human survival, in the exact same way that the circulatory system is important for moving blood to and from internal organs. All living beings have the CPS in them, but the vast majority will never consciously access it in their lives. The few that do are people like me - those called shinobi. Things get more complex from there, but the gist of it is this...instead of projecting power and using it as a layer of stimulation from the outside, I can start from the inside and work my way out. Nothing as stupid as trying to convert my regular chakra flow into lightning - that would likely kill me, if not end my career in an instant. No, it's something else. I pull out the chart from yesterday, detailing my own pathway system. CNS or central nervous system...there are the pressure points along that area, which are activated by the chakra mode each and every time to allow for the extreme increases in chakra, speed, power, and perception. Passive stimulation of other areas is observed as well, by myself and the notes in front of me. I can do better than that.

If I can properly stimulate certain meridians with a more compact system, chakra flow will be increased further than previously, I can achieve direct stimulation by boosting the peripheral nervous system with the activation of relevant pressure points, and I'm also not wasting as much chakra by forcing the energy from the outside layer back inward. This more direct control also means that I can provide a proper layer of protection for my heart at the least. Also, since the PNS works differently, needing some extra material to transmit signals at an acceptable rate...boosting this part of the nervous system will result in a dramatic increase in motor function. Of course, this is dangerous if I get it wrong. The possibility of activating too many points at once is a complicating factor, and indeed the studies I'm looking at talk about this. They've talked about activation of the entire body, and have seemed to travel in one direction - that of the Eight Inner Gates.

"Hmm." The fine focus from before has changed to a rush to unlock the true secrets of the Inner Gates, and if they can be manipulated by things like a chakra mode to achieve greater power output. These studies are also relatively old, from a few years before I was born. Considering the turmoil that's happened since then, with the Uchiha and the Nine-Tails, it's little wonder that projects like this might have been suspended for other types of research. But it's a little concerning how these people went straight for the solution that gave them the most power...well, it's not any concern of mine, not right now. I have a path that I need to create on my own, and I have the tools to start.

"Here we are. Your steak, eggs, potatoes, and two bottles of milk," Ruki says as she comes in. She sets the tray on my bed and looks at me curiously. "You've been busy."

"Yes. I think I've come up with something after looking through these notes. A bit daring, of course...but I should be fine. If anything, I can have Kakashi look after me while I train."

"Kakashi, huh." Ruki's tone is a bit scornful. "Make sure you're the one looking out for him, if he's using that Sharingan."

"An interesting bit of commentary from you, my dear." I organize my notes and put them away before grabbing my tray of food.

"Ha. Sharingan Kakashi checks in here like it's his personal hotel. He has an interesting habit of picking missions that might be too much for him and then ends up exhausted because that doujutsu drains his chakra like crazy. He can't turn it off, so he's supposed to keep it covered. I appreciate that he's saving lives, of course..."

"You just think he's a bit reckless."

"More than a bit. Again, I don't hate that side of him. Or him, for that matter." She smiles to herself. "He stops by the shrine from time to time. It's nice of him. Not sure about those books he reads, but he's a good fellow."

I finish chewing on my steak and swallow. "Do you tend to him often?"

"Ah, often enough. We know each other by name."

"Have you considered him?"

"Mm...a few times," she says as she twirls her silver braid around her hand. "I think it would be nice. But...he doesn't seem very interested in finding a woman, I think. Perhaps that tragedy in his past has a lot to do with it."

"I see. Maybe you should apply a bit of pressure and see where it goes. No harm if he says no, right? You'll always have me to comfort you," I say.

Ruki giggles at that. "That sounds good. You know...I'll think on it. I could always give it a try, outside of the hospital, I mean. Not very ethical to hit on your patients."

"But getting hit on is okay," I point out.

"Exactly. Not desired, but technically legal! Well, undesirable barring certain exceptions," she says with a wink. "A bit of charm goes a long way, as you've proven."

"Thank you kindly for that."

"You're welcome. I'll be off for now, though I suspect you'll have quite a few visitors for the day. Till then, Lili."

"Until then. Thank you, Ruki." She leaves and I cut into another piece of my steak. It's delicious...though from what I've heard, hospital food usually isn't so savoury. "..."

I wonder. Is that woman...?

"Well, it would be just like her," I say with a smile. "Going the extra mile...you really are kind, Ruki."

As predicted, the floodgates have opened. My first visitor is someone I've been looking forward to seeing for a while.

"Lili."

"Hina."

She smiles and hugs me tightly, saying nothing else as we hold each other for what feels a long time. We separate long after Ruki leaves us alone, and stare into each other's eyes.

"You're safe." Hina places her hands on the sides of my head, pushing some of my hair out of the way. "You came back to me."

"As I promised."

"All I want today is to be here with you. I don't want to hear about anything else right now. Is that okay? Is that too much?" she asks gently.

"It's more than fine. We can do that for as long as you want. If I see nobody else for the day, I can live with it." I place my hands over hers. "You can have me all to yourself."

"It's selfish. I want to do it...but it's selfish." I feel her gently press her hands against my cheeks. "A few hours...it's not enough, it never could be after this time. But...I can live with that much."

"Yes."

We sit on the edge of my bed, facing the window and the light shining down through it. As I look out towards the village, I feel Hina take my hand in hers, meshing our fingers together. I squeeze back after she does, and feel her lean against me, her head on my shoulder. Her breathing is so gentle and calm that I would feel immensely guilty for moving even an inch. Just being here...she's put my heart completely at ease.

"Father has reported many things from across the village...great things that you've done on behalf of all of us. But I only cared about seeing you, and knowing for sure that you were safe. It was hard going to sleep the last few nights...hearing that you were in the hospital for some reason that was never explained."

"I'm sorry to have worried you," I say to her.

"It's not your fault. And it doesn't matter, now that I know you're okay."

"I should be out in a few days."

"That's wonderful to hear. We can talk about everything at that point. Right now, it's as I've said, over and over again. I just want to be here with you, Lili."

"Hina...it's probably not the best time, but I have to ask something."

"Anything you would like."

"I have to wonder...are you getting through everything well enough without me?" I ask.

"Not...as well as I would like. I still have those lingering thoughts...that sort of nervousness that makes me freeze in place when confronted, or the low self-esteem that makes me stay away from certain people. I still need your support for things like that, I think. I know that I'm getting a bit stronger, but some help to move forward on my own...unfortunately, I'm still in need of it."

"That's nothing to be ashamed of. I just wanted to know how you were doing. Hina, I'll be here to help you for as long as you need. All you have to do is ask, or at the least let me come to you in times of trouble."

"It makes me feel a little bit guilty."

"I know. But you're not a burden. I made a promise to you that I intend to keep. I'm glad to hear that you're making progress, and that you're not trying to move through the world too quickly. It's good that you're cautious and aware of yourself. That's the sort of quality a mature woman has, you know."

"That's a bit much, Lili. Mature...someone like me."

"Someone just like you," I say as I pat her head with my free hand. "Growing up is a process, something we all have to do in our own ways. As much as it might surprise you, I'm still growing myself. Being good socially is just one side of the picture, you know."

"If...it's what you say. I'll believe in it. Thank you for encouraging me...like you always do."

"Nothing to thank me for. Now relax a while, like you wanted to..."

She does so, eventually falling asleep against me. I decide not to move, instead closing my eyes and listening to the sound of her breathing.

"Mm?"

The next time I open my eyes, I feel a blanket wrapped around me. I must have drifted off, even if I didn't mean to. Hina stirs beside me, so it wasn't her doing...it must have been Ruki, then.

"That was...so nice."

"Was it? You know, I don't think you're supposed to feel that comfortable around me," I tease Hina.

"Maybe not...at this rate, we might as well start a relationship, right? That must be what you're thinking," she says as she stretches.

"Something like that. But I know you have someone you're aiming for, and I want to respect that."

"I appreciate that." She lets out an adorable yawn and rubs her eyes. "It really was refreshing...we should do this more often. I think I can take on the rest of the day like this."

"You see? You keep talking like that. It makes me want to snatch you up, since Naruto wouldn't even notice if I did at this point."

"You're terrible."

"And you're worse. Stop being cute," I pout playfully.

"You shouldn't worry about me getting away. I bet you're flirting with Miss Ruki."

"What does that have to do with anything?" I ask.

She sighs and shrugs off the blanket. "It's time for me to go before you say something too silly to take back. That, and if I stay too much longer, I won't want to leave."

"I'm sad to see you go, but I always am. Take care, Hina. We'll catch up on everything soon over tea."

"Yes. There's much to talk about." She kisses me on the cheek. "Congratulations, Lili."

"Thank you," I say with a tender smile. "Remember that I love you always, Hina."

"And I will always love you, Lili."

We look at each other once more before she leaves. The door clicks closed, and I wrap the blanket around myself, feeling her lingering warmth.

Then the door flies open again, and I hear an unwelcome, characteristic grumbling.

"Seriously, I have work to do..."

"What, you mean observing cloud movements? Shut up! Lili is our friend, you know!"

"We shouldn't be so loud, you guys."

"Yes, that's right. You shouldn't be so loud," I hear Ruki say. She herds the three members of Team 10 into my room. "Here's three more. I'll be back in a bit, Lili."

"Take your time."

Ino hops onto the bed and hugs me tightly, looking me over. "Everything okay?"

"Everything is fine. Hina was just here...we spent some quality time together."

"That sounds so cute. Heh, you really are sisters. I think she's been worried about you a while...I've been thinking about you, too. Especially after all the wild stuff that I heard from my dad and uncles! And Shikamaru, I guess."

He sits in a chair and grumbles, waving Ino off.

"You actually went toe to toe with the First and Second Hokage! And saved the Third Hokage from certain death! And on top of all that, got a double promotion to jounin! Lili, you're...you're...there aren't any words! You're so incredibly cool, just to start!" Ino says happily.

"You really think so..."

"Uh, duh?! Seriously...I dunno what the right word is. Just this sort of strength I get from you...a sort of feeling that makes me admire you a whole lot. Maybe even worship you, maybe?" she says with a giggle. "It wouldn't be too strange, I think. It's complicated...seeing you bounce back from all of that stuff in the Academy, and then being friends with you, and then after that watching you tear through that Gaara kid...speaking of that, you must have realized you went overboard just a little, right?"

"Well...you're right to think that. I agree with you. I might have gotten...carried away."

"You definitely did. But...n-never mind. It's awkward to talk about in front of others," Ino says quickly. "The important thing is that you're okay, you're alive, and you're totally a super elite shinobi now. How does it feel?"

"Strange, in a way. There are a lot of old men interested in me, for one."

"Come on, stop. I'm serious," she says as she gently hits my arm.

"I am too. But...it doesn't feel that different yet. I still have my regular objectives, guiding my team to greater heights and serving the village with all of my strength. I don't see much changing, and paperwork doesn't seem like a significant enough issue to worry about."

"Yeah, your grades were pretty sharp back in the Academy. You sound like you'll be okay. Unfortunately, with the village still in rebuild mode, there isn't much to talk about on the outside. You might have heard that they're investigating the allegations of the fake Kazekage, and they've pretty recently sent those three orphans back to the Sand under heavy guard. There are preparations being made to strike the Hidden Sound, now that their leader in Orochimaru is dead and gone. And then a bunch of unconfirmed rumours."

"Orphans..." I think about Temari and Gaara. Kankuro, I've interacted with a lot less...but the fact remains that they've lost both of their parents before they could even become adults. That has to be a heavy weight on them. I wonder what will happen as a result. But if Temari is as resolved as she said she was, and Gaara's change of heart was for real, then...I think they will make it in the end.

"Yeah. Shinobi life can be so harsh like that..."

"It's something we have to learn to deal with," Shikamaru says.

"Seriously? You don't just 'deal with' losing both of your parents before you even turn sixteen," Ino protests. "What if it was your mom and dad?"

"I don't know. I don't want to think about things like that."

Ino means to say something else, but notes the look on his face and lets it go. It's heavy on his mind as well, even if his wording was insensitive.

"You're all doing okay?" I ask.

"Pretty good. Dad's been working overtime 'coz of all the POWs that are piled up at Torture and Intelligence. He says Ibiki-sensei has been having the time of his life, though. I've met him a few times, and I don't really get it...he always seems so laid back, but then he enjoys himself making grown men cry." She gives me an amused look. "Actually, I should get it. Maybe it's that he's a guy...because you two are a lot alike."

"You think so?" I ask innocently.

She rolls her eyes. "Yeah. You definitely have to squint to see how you two are the same. My apologies, princess."

"Choji, how is your nose doing?" I ask.

"Just like new," he says as he reaches into a bag of chips. "They took care of it as soon as I got to the hospital. Thanks for asking, though. I was surprised that you could hit that hard, but that'll teach me to assume things the next time, haha!"

"You weren't a bad opponent, you know."

"Oh, thanks! Asuma-sensei's been talking about getting me some more training, and I've been wondering if it was worth it...but this helps with the decision."

I nod. "There's really nothing I could have done but overcome my fears and attack through that small gap. Part of my fighting style, using speed to take advantage of openings for critical strikes. As a more conventional fighter with more strength, I might have taken on a different approach."

"But you planned it, right? Don't give him the wrong idea."

"I'm trying not to, you twat," I say to Shikamaru. He groans and leans his head on a closed fist. "I suggest you not try to dictate how I give out advice. Damn slacker."

"You'd think that a stay in the hospital would've made you a bit more humble."

"People think a lot of things. They're usually wrong."

"I knew I shouldn't have come down here. You're a huge pain in the ass, and I was hoping they would at least have you on sedatives," he murmurs.

"No, I'm fully recovered by now. More than well enough to put my foot up your ass. How's that for pain?"

"Ugh."

"Heh. Should Choji and I leave the room so that you two can make out like you want to?" Ino asks with a smug smile.

"With this asshole?!" Shikamaru and I yell in unison.

Eventually Ino and her merry men leave, and are replaced by Shino who quietly arrives and sits in one of the chairs near my bed.

"Kurenai-sensei is doing a few mandatory tasks. She sends her greetings, Boss."

"Ah, that's fine. Tell her that I miss her. I was really hoping for an opportunity to do some light bullying, but I suppose that can wait a while longer. How have you been, Shino?"

"I've been well. Father and I helped defend the village along with the other members of the Aburame Clan."

"Is your mother well?"

"Yes. We escorted her to the evacuation point, and she has the ability to reliably defend herself as a member of a shinobi household." He pauses. "I'm sorry to report that information through the village has been limited."

"Ino said as much. It's fine."

"..."

"Shino. It's alright."

"It seems rude."

"Appearances are one thing, but feelings are another. I understand what yours are." I leave my bed and walk towards him, giving him a hug as he stands up. "Thank you for coming to see me, Shino. I'm glad you're safe."

"Thank you."

"Whether you become more outgoing or not, I will always appreciate your friendship." I release him and pat his shoulders. "The day is calling to you. Be well, my comrade."

"Thank you, Boss. I'll see you soon."

I nod and he makes his way out. Ruki enters soon after with a bottle of milk for me.

"He wasn't here long. I take it he's not a fan of social gatherings."

"Not at all."

"And of course, you're quite sensitive to that fact. Hm." She smiles. "It's interesting that you have all of these good qualities, while at the same time being a combat junkie and unrepentant flirt."

"Such is the way of the world," I say lazily. I take the bottle of milk from her and sip.

"Well, you would say such a thing. It's time for one of your favourite events. I'm going to check your height and weight again, among other things."

"Oh, good. I was wondering when I could strip for you again."

Ruki laughs as I fold up my blanket and place it on top of my pillow. I drink down my milk and hand her the bottle before we leave together.