Scarlet Justice - ep. 53
"The Beloved"
[Sasuke Recovery Mission: Prologue 3]
It's late afternoon by the time the meeting ends. Everything is set. Now, we just have to make contact with our teammates for the mission.
I run over to the Aburame District for my first stop. Shikamaru, sensitive soul that he is, has agreed to take care of Lee. That leaves me to grab my teammates, who should be ready to go as soon as I give the word. I reach Shino's place and knock on the door. A woman with a slender frame and black hair in a high ponytail appears.
"Good evening! Captain Kobayashi, what brings you here?" she asks.
"Miss Kiko, good evening. I have an urgent message for Shino."
"I see. I'll call him down...Shino! Shino, your Captain is here! She's got urgent business! He should be down in a moment. Would you like to step inside?"
"For a moment, yes. I won't be having anything, unfortunately. There's another stop I have to make quickly."
"Of course. Please come in, don't worry about your footwear." I hear Shino come down the stairs and through the hallway. "I'll leave you two to handle business. Take care, Captain."
"Take care, Miss Kiko."
"Thank you, Mother. Boss, what did you need?" Shino asks as he arrives. Kiko disappears up the stairs, leaving us alone.
"I'm going after Sasuke. A five-person fighting force has been created for this particular mission, and I want you on it."
"Okay. I'm in."
"We leave tomorrow afternoon. Please bring your standard supply kit, nothing more than that. The meeting place is at the main gate, 1 pm."
"Got it. I'll see you then, Boss."
"Make sure to tell your parents, too. If they worry, give them this." I hand him a small card with a summary of the operation, and the Hokage's seal. "I've got the old man's backing. Shikamaru is mission control."
"Excellent. We can't lose, then."
"That's the spirit." I pat him on the shoulder and give him a salute, which he returns. "See you soon."
As I leave, I'm already plotting the fastest route to Hina's place. She's the next and last one...let's hope it's not too much of a hassle getting through the entrance.
I reach the gates of the Hyuuga residence and set my face in neutral before approaching the guards. Relations may have warmed, but I suspect not enough to-
"Are you onee-sama's teammate?"
"Hm?" I turn my head to see someone approaching me from behind. Another member of Hyuuga, but with a familiar-looking face. Her black hair is long, with a stray bang crossing over her face. And she's a small thing, too. Very cute. But I need to be cautious with people from this clan. "Yes, I am her teammate."
"I see. May I have your name?"
"I am Lilith Kobayashi, a jounin of this village. May I have your name, madam?"
"Yes, of course. I am Hanabi Hyuuga, member of the Hyuuga Main Family, and heiress to the Hyuuga Clan," she says confidently.
"Onee-sama...is that what you call her still?" I ask curiously.
"Of course I do. Father made a mistake giving me the title of heiress." What a bold thing to say. "My big sister is stronger than anyone realizes. Hm...you had a different expectation of me, didn't you?"
"Yes, definitely," I say bluntly.
"Hmph. Well, you're definitely modest."
"Something like that."
"Quite cheeky, too," she says with a smile. "I like you already. It's no wonder my sister has improved so much." Hanabi walks up to me, taking my hand. "You treat her as family, and were there for her when nobody else was. Thank you for doing what we could not...for looking after her. You've been a blessing, Miss Lilith."
"Call me Lili. And you can be my little sister if you want."
"Ha! Well, as long as nothing lewd comes out of it..."
I scoff. "I see my reputation precedes me. Unfortunate."
"I forced it out of her, bit by bit. She's usually pretty secretive about you and your exploits, so don't worry too much."
"Well, that much is fine. I've accepted some of the marks on my social status. Is Hina in?"
"Yes, she's training with Brother Neji at the moment. You can come to the courtyard with me, if you want."
"I would like that. Training with Neji...he did change dramatically over the course of the exam period. What exactly happened to him?" I ask.
"You're wondering too, then - oi, open the gates! - just like I was," Hanabi says without missing a beat. The guards open up the gates, and I walk through for the first time. What greets me is a very traditional type of estate, very much Eastern in design, scope, and aesthetic. The courtyard is in full view, and I see Neji and Hina practising their Gentle Fist forms together. Neji has that same sort of relaxed look to him as I remember from the other day. The boy who was desperate to defy his fate, so much so that he wanted to kill Hina, has disappeared. And next to him, the timid, scared Hina that I first met has changed. She's still gentle, and just a bit shy...but on her way to becoming a woman in every aspect.
Bringing her on this mission...it's definitely the right choice. We'll soar higher together.
"Father finally got to tell him what happened on that day. I was confused sitting up there and hearing the story for the first time, so I asked a few days after the invasion and he told me. Uncle Hizashi gave his life out of love for my father. When he got the chance to choose for the first time in his life...he chose to be more than just a servant to the Main House. He chose to be a brother who could protect what was precious to him."
"He unlocked the cage, then," I say. "Going against the destiny plotted out for him, and living out his life as he chose. It was as I thought when I first heard the story. He was truly a man worthy of honour. And it must have hurt Lord Hiashi, so much that he withdrew and changed."
"Yes."
"Forgive me for being bold, but I'm still not sure that I can forgive him for his treatment of Hina. Maybe one day, when the flames have cooled. But...his pain is just as valid. A victim of a vicious cycle."
"Father has passed down the mantle to me," Hanabi says, staring up at me. "I will become the head of Hyuuga, and end these barbaric practices forever. If anyone has a problem with the clan, they can come to me. And they can challenge me whenever they want. But whether it's in physical or social combat, they won't win," she says smugly. "After all, my blood is thick. Father and Uncle were already proof of the clan's overwhelming strength. Then my sister and Brother Neji after them. And then the latest generation...me. The Hyuuga will become more understanding and compassionate...but we will always be the mightiest clan in the Leaf."
What a girl. Little wonder she has her title at such a young age. "Bold and strong. As expected of my little sister."
"Ehehe~! Thanks!"
I smile and pat her head.
"It's really high praise coming from you, Lili-nee. The woman who went up against one of the Three Shinobi and held her own. Within Hyuuga, you're known as the Crimson Nightmare, in addition to your other titles."
"That sounds formidable," I say with amusement.
"Right? Also, also..." She lowers her voice. "There's a clique of girls in the Main House who admire you from afar. They even have pictures that they pass around..."
"Oh~? You don't say..."
"I don't say. You never heard this from me," Hanabi says with a wink. "But enough gossip for now, yeah?"
"Right. We'll go and meet with Hina now. There's a vital mission that we have to undertake."
"It's that Uchiha guy, I'm guessing...okay, let's go." We enter the yard as Hina and Neji finish their kata, bowing to each other respectfully.
"Very good work. As expected of Lady Hinata."
"S-stop, Neji. You're praising me way too much..."
"I have a lot to make up for," he says with a smile. "Showering milady with praise is the very least I could do."
She sighs happily. "If that's your wish, Brother Neji. Thank you...I'm already blessed by your kindness."
"As I am by yours."
"Um...please raise the intensity a little next time?" Hina asks gently.
"Yes, of course. You're eager to catch that woman, aren't you?" he asks.
"Of course she is," Hanabi says as we arrive. "The spirit of competition finally burns within her. Afternoon, you two!"
"Lady Hanabi, good afternoon. And senpai is here, too. It's good to see you again."
"Likewise, Neji. You two are working hard, I like to see it."
"Yes. Lady Hinata is already impressive compared to most members of Hyuuga, and her potential is even greater than this. Senpai, you really have done a fine job nurturing her up to this point. I expect even more as you work together."
"As you should," I say proudly.
"Ah, pardon. What brings you here today, senpai?"
"I wanted to talk to Hina about something important. There's a certain mission that I want her to join me on. You've heard whispers about Sasuke by now, yes?"
"From Lord Hiashi directly...it's a serious matter that they've managed to keep quiet for now, but if it drags on too long...I don't understand, though. His departure, and Sakura Haruno's..."
"That's why we want to put a lid on it now, before things escalate. I'm leading a team to bring him back, alive preferably. Hina is someone I want by my side."
"Senpai, I know that you have confidence in Lady Hinata, but I should-"
"Neji...my apologies. I understand how you feel. But this request isn't just from the village. It's from Naruto Uzumaki as well...a personal plea to bring that boy back home to the Leaf."
"Naruto?" Hina asks.
"Yes. He asked me to bring Sasuke back. Someone he called friend...and brother. I can feel the weight of his sorrow, and I know that you've always cared for him deeply, Hina."
"I do."
"So...will you come with us?" I ask.
She nods, determined. "Without question. When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow afternoon, 1 pm. Our usual supplies, nothing extra to weigh us down. There will be three others besides us."
"Shino?"
"He'll be there."
"I understand." She turns to Neji and takes his hands in hers. "Brother Neji, I know you mean to protect me. And I thank you for that. But I...I really do love Naruto," she says, blushing. "Maybe it doesn't make sense for me to care this much, but I do. I want to do this for him, to end his sadness. Even if...it means that my feelings aren't returned in the way that I want. This is something I have to do...something I want to do. Please, let me go."
"..." Neji turns his head towards me.
"Hinata is my sister," I say firmly. "I will die before returning without her."
He nods and gives her a smile. "Then be safe, Lady Hinata. I will be waiting here for your safe return."
"Thank you."
"Good luck, sis. Bring that Uchiha bonehead back, and you might earn yourself a hot date with Naruto!"
"Hanabi, y-y-you...! The worst, the worst!" Hina says, her face turning red.
"Heh. Seems our girl takes after me," I say. "No need to worry, I can make sure this results in a date with my charisma. After all, he does have warm and fuzzy feelings for me."
"Ah? Really?" Hanabi asks.
"Yep! He asked me on a date twice in the past, you know."
"You too! Lili! You're awful! The worst!" Hina says as she flails her arms.
"Aaaaah! Both of you, please stop bullying Lady Hinata!" Neji says frantically.
"I-I'll show it to you...t-the t-t-terror of Hyuuga...!" Hina activates her Byakugan and chases us around the yard as we laugh.
"Lady Hinata, don't attack senpai with that...!"
I eventually get over my laughing fit and head home after Hina calms down some. To think I would have so much fun in that sort of place...it looks like times are changing, and for the better. Hanabi's vision of the future might really come to pass.
"You look happy today, Miss Lilith," Luna says as I sit down to dinner. It's been a long day, and I'm looking forward to her cooking. Tonight's meal is roast chicken in a honey glaze, paired with curly fries and a delicious glass of milk. "I was worried for you after this morning, and everything that you told me. To see you in high spirits is soothing."
"I had some fun with Hina earlier."
"Mm. Bullying again..." She sighs. "You and Midori are too much alike."
"Hmhm. It might be the case." I pick up my chopsticks and go after the fries first. Wait. What was that just now...?
"Miss Lilith? Is something the matter? Did I burn your food?" Luna asks, worried.
"Midori?" I say to her, blinking.
"A-ah. Right...yes." Her voice is quiet all of a sudden.
"Luna, you don't have to be so frightened-"
"No, no! Please, don't misunderstand. She insisted that we go on a first name basis in private. Now that we're...um..."
I look at her curiously as she blushes. And then I notice it...a sparkle coming from her hand that definitely wasn't there this morning. A ring on her finger, with a shining diamond...
"You're...engaged?"
"Yes...I'm engaged."
"I see." I slowly set down my chopsticks, push out my chair...and race around the table to jump up and hug her tightly.
"Congratulations! And look at you! Worrying yourself sick, almost turning that woman down for such a stupid, stupid reason all that time ago!"
"I did, didn't I...I almost made a terrible mistake, running away from Midori. Miss Lilith...thank you so much. Thank you for helping me attain this happiness."
I let go of her and straighten myself out. "Lili."
"Eh?"
"I'm your little sister for real now, or will be soon at least. So it's Lili now."
"Forgive me," she says with a hand over her heart. "That...might take a while."
"A compromise, then. Miss Lili works out well enough. But you'll get it down. You're Luna-nee, after all."
She smiles and nods. "I'm your Luna. Forever and always...Miss Lili."
I nod and calmly head back to my seat. My food somehow smells better than before, and the curly fries are perfectly crispy to the touch. Ah, the power of love in full effect. I'm so, so happy right now.
"A wonderful future awaits us all. And I have a mission to complete. As the Leaf's sword of justice, as a valued comrade, as an elite leader...and most importantly, as Naruto's friend. Sasuke Uchiha...prepare for a world of hurt. I will bring you back home, where you belong."
"Good luck, Miss Lili."
"Thank you, Luna. You've outdone yourself today."
"Your praise completes me, milady." She smiles and curtsies for me. "I live to serve you."
The morning comes, with the strength of the sun's rays. It's early as I wake up, just past dawn. The air is cool against my skin, and refreshes me slowly. I go straight to the bath and soak a bit.
First my teeth, then my hair. I wash my face and rub lotion gently into my skin.
The blessings of these past weeks are bright in my mind. Midori and Luna, finally engaged. A promotion to jounin. A new sibling on the way soon. Hina growing and blossoming into a fine woman. Good things all around. Many would be worried about all of these things crashing to the ground around them, but not me. No, never.
If the so-called gods mean to reach down from their thrones and take away my happiness, then I will sever their fingers one by one.
"Hm..."
More than anything...this is my first mission as a jounin. And a grand one, indeed. I want something to boost my image, something stylish and unique to reflect my personality. Thankfully, I have just the thing...Luna picked it up the other day. The cute and deadly little outfit that I've been waiting to try on since I saw it, with a few customizations. I go through my drawers and reach into my closet to assemble my outfit.
"Let's start from...the bottom this time. Hmhm."
Underwear, check. Fancy patterns today. Shorts in black that are comfy around the hips. Red belt that's sturdy enough to hold equipment, and strong enough for emergency usage. And finally, a fancy pair of black socks that have open toes. Made of good, strong, and definitely expensive material that's useful for shinobi. They go all the way up to my thighs and meet neatly with the bottom of my shorts. Okay, that part's done. Now for the main event.
"Ah, finally. You've come home~"
It's a black hooded sweater, but not just any kind. Crafted from the finest materials, resistant to numerous conditions and types of damage, and with a good zipper that resists jamming - something so hard to find in these times. The zipper is shaped like a snake's forked tongue, painted red just like the big, thick teeth are. They go all the way up and around the edges of the hood itself, meaning I can zip the entire thing closed if I want. It's super cool...I've always wanted one of these, but never found a good excuse to get one before now. The sleeves are oversized, baggy and with lots of space coming down to cuffs with metallic red trim that fit snugly around my wrists. But not so snug that my serpent friends can't burst out from under them when I need to use a technique or two.
I look in my mirror and turn a few times to make sure I have everything looking right. There's even a pair of eyes on each side of the hood, so that when I pull it down far enough it looks like a snake's head. Yeah, really cool. I know everyone will get a kick out of it. I make sure to arrange my hair properly so that it's not all trapped inside, and open and close the zipper a few times to make sure things are working properly. Should I wear an extra shirt underneath? Hm...no, it's fine. Not like anyone will be peeking under there any time soon. Checking my toes and fingers one last time, with light pink nail polish from yesterday.
I already have ideas for when I'm older...something much more daring that will get everyone's hearts racing at the sight of me. For now, I can settle for looking a little mysterious and deadly. I definitely feel confident, and confidence will be key to this mission's success. My weapon holster with Midori's butterfly knife goes on my left thigh today, secured with a bit of black bandage. I work on my drawing speed and weapon movement for a little to get used to the new material around me...it should be good now.
Yes. Definitely ready.
"Miss Lili?"
"Luna, come in. I'm awake."
My door opens, and I present myself to Luna as she steps in. "So? What do you think?"
"It's a dynamic look, very dashing. And definitely you," she says. "I like it."
"I figured this was a good new image to go with my promotion. I'm glad you think it looks good. And I love this jacket already, thank you for helping me with it."
"I'm happy that I could be of service to you. Breakfast is already cooked, do you need help with anything else?" she asks.
"I have everything I need by now, but thank you. There's a stop I need to make, though...it's the hospital. Definitely before I leave the village. I want to see how Ino is doing," I say as I clean up and leave my room.
"I see. I hope she's recovering well...what a horrible thing to have happen to her. And for what..."
"From what I've heard, she should be awake by now. We're getting those bastards back for what they did," I say as I sit down at the table. Today's meal is a full course: pancakes, sausage, eggs, ham, toast, tomatoes, and more. I quickly and neatly eat everything, then gulp down a few glasses of fortified milk for good measure afterwards.
"Your appetite is growing," Luna remarks as she clears my plates.
"It's interesting to see. I think I'll need to eat like this more often...seems like I'm moving into a growth spurt soon, if my habits are any indication. But my mission pay combined with our normal allowance will be more than enough to take care of that." I wipe my mouth with a napkin. "That makes me think about moving from this place, too..."
"There are good homes near the Uchiha District, and the prices are low."
"Lots of superstition, I'm guessing. Hm. We could make purchases and flip a few of them if we don't end up moving in," I say. Luna tosses me two bottles of milk and I catch them without looking, putting them into my small pack. "Give Mother a call and see what she thinks."
"I'll remember to do that, Miss Lili."
"Good. I'm off, Luna. Take care of yourself, and give Midori-nee my love as always."
"Yes, I will. Be safe."
I hug her tightly. "I will be. I promise to come back to you soon. I love you, Luna."
"I love you, Lili."
I pull on my sandals with one hand while shouldering my small bag. With one last nod to Luna, I step outside, jumping the short distance from the stairs to the ground below. The warmth of the morning sun kisses my cheeks.
A pleasant day in the Hidden Leaf...a good day to set off on the adventure of a lifetime. For now, it's time to make an important visit.
Things are busy and vibrant today. The scheduled missions to the Hidden Sound bases have already started, with some teams moving ahead of the others. It doesn't seem particularly tense, but that won't stop me from taking my mission seriously. A few looks are thrown my way on account of my new outfit...I feel like I enjoy the attention, a little bit. I don't stop for anyone, but it's nice to be noticed.
Yamanaka Flowers is open, and I decide that I'm going to pick up something for my friend. The temp they have is a nice girl, and she knows her stuff. She does all she can to be helpful. But I did ace flower arranging at the Academy.
"These should be good," I say.
"Oh! Those are all nice, yes. You have a great eye."
"Yes, I do try my best." I pay her and wish her a good day after picking out my arrangement. Next stop, the Leaf Hospital. I find Ino's room easily and make my way up. Room 306, moved recently from intensive care.
"..." I take a deep breath and open the door. The room is just about empty right now, save for the expected patient. She's staring at the window outside.
"..."
"Hey," I say to break the silence.
She turns her head to look at me, and a smile lights up her wearied face. "Hey. Long time no see."
"Yes. I'm sorry that I couldn't drop in sooner." Ino is sitting up halfway in her bed, the sheets pulled over her legs. I can see that her hair has been cut very short, and there are strips of bandage on different parts of her head. They had to cut away her hair to operate properly, it seems...possibly because of blood as well. Her left arm is bandaged, and her right is in a cast up to the elbow. Everything about her looks...so different.
"It's okay. I've been getting plenty of love since I woke up. Choji..." She sighs. "What a big heart. Just as big as his gut, probably bigger. He went on some sort of extreme diet 'till I woke, just sitting at my bedside and doing nothing else. Shikamaru would have parked himself here too, if he weren't so busy because of the under-staffing. Same with Asuma-sensei, who was out on missions until recently. They were all here 'till late last night with my parents. My dad's been struggling with work, so they gave him time off to tend to me." Ino nods towards the table that's near the window, and the windowsill itself. There are several bundles of flowers, and vases filled with daffodils. "Gifts from my many admirers," she says with a grin. "I got old man Hokage sending me stuff, too. Grand, ain't it?"
"Heh. Well, I grabbed this for you on my way here. You can add it to the collection." I hand her the wrapped bouquet, and she sniffs it once before opening the paper.
"Let's see what we've got." Her eyes change a bit; I know that flowers are her thing, and she's quite interested in what I've done for her. "These smell really nice. Stopped by the shop?"
"Mm-hm. Your stand in is solid."
"Handpicked by yours truly, so she'd better be." The layer of paper comes off, and I see her eyes widen at the display.
Daisies and daffodils with white cherry blossoms mixed in. Three irises in the middle.
"For sympathy and faith," she says quietly. "Kindness...and a reminder of her. And then good tidings three times over." She smiles and notices the last flower I snuck in, hidden in the very middle beneath the others. "A Morning Glory, huh..."
"Yes."
"Thank you. I..." Ino thinks for a moment before looking at me. "Can...I show you something, Lili?"
"What is it?"
"Sit here a moment," she says, patting the side of her bed. I do as she asks, and she takes one of my hands in hers. "The nurses will kill me if they find out I'm using techniques...except Ruki, she's so cool. She looked after me this whole time...today just happened to be her day off, so I've been by myself a lot. But...I really want you to see this. My mind is fuzzy, but my body remembers..."
"I understand. As long as you're not straining yourself...I'm here."
She nods and makes a single seal, transferring her mind into my body. I find myself floating in a blue-tinged void with Ino, who looks just like she did before the attack. This Ino, this fragment of her...she raises her hands silently, and I understand what she wants. I raise mine in return, floating towards her. Our palms touch, and the exchange of information begins.
Everything on that night is revealed to me.
"Sakura...she's really been out of it. Maybe just a quick visit..."
Ino walks through the night towards her friend's home. But there is something amiss.
"Hm? Sakura...that can't be her. Where's she going?"
I can feel her concern as she trails Sakura, taking cover behind buildings and making sure not to be too loud. The other girl is wearing a backpack and is meeting with...Sasuke.
"What the hell...no. No way, they're not...no. They won't!"
Ino breaks her cover and calls out to the two ahead...her best friend, and the boy she used to have a crush on. That was over and done with in this moment, but she didn't want to lose him to the darkness, or her.
"What are you two idiots doing?" she yells. "Why are you sneaking out of the village?"
"Ino, calm down-"
"I will not fucking calm down, Sakura! How dare you! And you, Sasuke! What are you thinking?!"
"I have nothing to say to you, Ino."
"She was right...Lili was right, you're fucking trash! Garbage!" Ino screams. "You're trying to leave the village and turn yourself into a missing-nin, getting yourself and Sakura killed! Sakura, you don't need this guy, he needs you. Snap him out of it, call this whole thing off!"
"Ino...you don't understand."
"What don't I understand, Sakura?! What is it?! Huh?"
"Sasuke...he's not going to succumb to the darkness. We have a plan. We put our heads together, and figured something out. But staying in the Leaf...it won't work out. And if Sasuke goes, I need to go with him. I need to help him, protect him in any way that I can."
"By betraying the village...? Sakura! Listen to yourself...!"
"If I let him go by himself, he'll truly be lost. I can keep him healthy, and he can keep me safe. We've learned to work as a team, finally. We can support each other."
"That's not it! That's not what that means! Tell me if he's blackmailing you, or-"
"He's not! Sasuke would never force me into coming with him!" Sakura said angrily. "Sasuke would never hurt me, I was-"
"Sakura?"
Ino looked over her friend's shoulder to see Sasuke's guilty face.
"She...she forced you?"
"I don't have a choice...if I didn't take her, they..."
"They? Sasuke, wait..."
"There's no time. Goodbye, Ino." He disappears into the night. Ino moves to go after him, but Sakura slides in front of her.
"Sakura...what did you do..."
"What I had to. I said it before, it's all for Sasuke's sake..."
"He said he had no choice...ugh, no! He's getting away...I can't catch up to him like this."
"Ino!"
"Shut the fuck up! Stay put if you want, I'm getting help!" Ino is running, dashing through the village even as she knows that Sakura has taken off after Sasuke.
"I need to get back and tell Dad, or anyone about this...they won't get far trying to run around at night. Still time-"
But something happens. A chill runs through Ino, and she stops as four figures appear, surrounding her. I recognize them, even from these darkened, blurry images. And then...without warning...
It starts.
They attack, all at once. These memories are sharp, too sharp...but I have to watch. I have to endure and feel the weight of Ino's memories. She's beaten, and I feel myself filled with rage. Over and over again, the Sound scum laughing and having the time of their lives. She gets up only to be pummelled again and again, trying with all her might and failing to fight back against four attackers. It's cruel. It's unfair. It's despicable.
And they only stop, only feel satisfied after one last kick to the head. They leave her beside a stream. She's broken and bleeding, life ebbing from her. All alone...nothing but sadness...despair...then a futile anger at herself, for not being good enough, for not being able to stop Sakura and Sasuke, for her failures as a kunoichi, for all the things she didn't do right. And then...a terrible fear.
Death.
Lying in the dirt, unable to move. She cried, so desperately for her parents. For the people she loved so dearly. Even me...
Sinking into that abyss, helplessly. Just falling. The world going dark, and accepting that she would never wake up again. Even if...it was so unfair...
And then, the memory ends. Our palms come apart. The other Ino fades away, disappearing into the void.
"Lili...I know that I have no right...none at all...to make such a selfish request..."
I hear her voice breaking.
"Ino..."
The technique is released, and I find myself in the real world again. Holding her trembling hand.
"But please...please...forgive her." She clutches at her sheets, tears dripping down her face. "Please bring her back...even after all that she's done...please. She's my friend, and I still love her. Please, Lili...bring Sakura back to me."
I place a hand under her chin, and wipe away her tears.
"That's what the Morning Glory is for, Ino. A promise, made with strength of will. My promise to you. On my soul...I will bring her back to you, Ino. Believe in me."
She nods, sniffling. "Yes. I will."
I nod and smile back.
"I...in those fragments of your mind...in your memory. I saw Naruto...making that same plea for Sasuke. Sasuke means that much to him..."
"Yes."
"And yet you promised him...even though..."
"Yes. It's about more than my feelings. It's more than him being a comrade that should be brought home." I brush back my hair with one hand. "Naruto is precious to me. I want to protect his smile."
"Of course...that's just like you."
"It might be. I feel as if I'm far more suited to playing the villain, but this time...I can put that aside."
"Is that why you have the whole sexy get-up on? You're totally slaying it, girl."
"Well, it might be," I say with a smirk.
"Hey, I'd show off my bod like that too if I got the chance. Your legs are right up there with Temari's."
"You jest," I say playfully.
"I do not," she says with a laugh. "I mean it, seriously. I guess I can work on mine once I get out of here...listen, you'd better smack that stubborn bitch Sakura around a few times for me," she says with a suddenly cold look. "Nothing less than a 16-hit combo will get through to her thick skull. Got it?"
"I'll remember that."
"Good. And I've got something special for her when she gets back and settles in. I don't care who it is from now on, nobody fucks with Ino Yamanaka and skates off into the sunset. I guarantee you that." She lets out a breath and returns to normal. "Take care of yourself, Lili. Even if things don't work out the best...I'd rather not lose you, too. Come back home, alright?"
"I will, Ino. Get better soon," I say as I stand up. "Be strong."
"Like I could be anything else, sweetie." She grins and flexes her good arm. I leave and bow to the incoming nurse before making my way out of the hospital.
"Mm..."
I can feel something in one of my pockets. I pull it out, and note that it's a small flower with a disc shape. Small, rounded white leaves around a yellow-orange flower-head.
A daisy. I close my eyes and smile.
"Thank you, Ino. Your faith in me will not go to waste."
I delicately flatten the flower against some paper, and place it in my back pocket. I can feel my heart swelling...all of these feelings, all of these dreams and hopes making me burn up inside. There's no way that I can fail now.
It's time to do this.