Epilogue 1: The guest
Haruki's POV
"I'm home," I called into the manor. Before even waiting for a response I knew mama would be busy. Heading to the stairs I passed by the living room where mama had been talking the last few days with Kankuro-san. The only times I could talk to her freely these days were over lunch or dinner or if she was working from home late at night.
Mrrrp!
"Miso!" Hearing me a fluffy calico cat ran out from the living room passing the barrier with ease. In this household, she was the only exception to mama's silence barrier. Patting Miso's head, she ran upstairs. Looking back into the living room mama waved and mouthed "Welcome home" before returning to her conversation.
Heading upstairs to my room I partially closed my door and Miso ran in with glee. "Alright fine but just one. Going over to my bookshelf I picked up her treat jar and she started meowing around me in circles.
"Miso flop," I instructed pointing down, in response she threw her body down on the carpet in the middle of the room. "Good job." Picking out a treat I held it out and as she reached to bite it off my fingers I let go into her open mouth. As she chomped down on it I chuckled and I set my bag down to finish packing my belongings. "This should be good for a month," I thought as I looked down at the suitcase with spare space for souvenirs. Going over my checklist for anything missing I looked over at my bookcase and the framed picture of my family, my black eyes went over the familiar faces until they landed on another picture on my shelf. Although I knew it was for a photoshoot mama looked beautiful in her wedding dress and alongside I could see my father's gentle smile as he looked at her.
Picking up the photo I smiled at my reward for finding the truth. It felt like it was just yesterday when mama brought up that game. Growing up, our parentage was never really on our minds until we entered the academy and met other kids our age. We were only seven when we asked about our father. Mama then gave us two options we could either know now, when we were 12, or play a game where we would get 3 questions and 1 guess promising to be open and not to hide anything.
Overconfident we chose to play and mama true to her word didn't hide anything and began to tell us stories of her childhood in Konohagakure and her journeys to other lands in her youth. When it came time to talk about our father she told us the truth, "Although I birthed you three the same day your fathers are different." It was a shock for sure, but it explained why I looked so different. I didn't have to say it but mama could feel the unspoken worry we had and reassured us her love for all three of us was equal and our love for each other shouldn't change just because we shared half of each other's blood.
With the basic necessary information to start our search mama let us dwell in our thoughts as to where we should start. Airi was the first to suggest looking inward at the house to look for more clues and she was right. In the greenroom encased in glass among the green plants a sand rose from Sunagakure sat alone, hung in the tea room was a scarf from Konohagakure, and sitting on the bookshelves in the dining room was a photo album with pictures of people we didn't know. While my younger siblings split off to follow their leads I remained to identify the kids in mama's youth, kids who shared similar physical traits as me. Noticing the emblem on their clothes I traced it back to the scarf in the tea room with the same embroidered emblem. A quick trip to the library was all I needed to uncover their connection to Konohagakure's Uchiha clan, as well as their downfall. As I stared at the portrait of the clan head's family more questions arose but as mama taught us, "When you doubt the truth it may be because there's more to it so look deeper until you've uncovered enough to get an idea of the full picture. But be careful it may be better or worse than you expected." The truth I found was more than I imagined from political turmoil to village relations, and the dark side of a shinobi. As a young child, I read the autobiography of the clan killer, Itachi Uchiha for the first time. It was the first time I felt ashamed of myself that feeling only worsened the more I kept reading though the nature of the shame changed.
Wasn't there another way? But how? He was only thirteen. Could I do the same? Why didn't you flee? But that would mean leaving his brother. In such a situation I wouldn't leave my younger siblings either. Is there any place they could have even run to?
The more I read the hopeless it all seemed if anyone else met the same requirements as him, clan affiliation, village loyalty, and skill they may have been tasked with this as well but only he fit to pin the blame. "Tragic is it not?" Looking up a veiled figure towered over me. "If only things were different. He might've lived a peaceful life, the poor kind boy was too smart for his own good. He bore an adult's responsibility and carried it till his death." Granny Haruko sighed.
"Did you know him?" I asked the words spilling from my mouth.
"Hohoho…" she laughed before ruffling my hair. Her hand was wrinkled and old, but soft and warm as she tried to comfort me. "Indeed I did. I was there to witness the events unfold and your mother witnessed the tragic end to his tale. Maybe that is why she chooses to step in when trouble arises instead of putting the burden on one of her shinobi." Thinking of her words I nodded in agreement, when it mattered mama was even though she was busy. I still remember the sight that day on bring your kids to work day the whirlwind of papers around her as she approved, rejected, or signed off on documents. "Granny Haruko, what is a shinobi?" I remembered asking.
"Self-sacrifice." She laughed bitterly and although veiled I could feel her burning gaze land on the book in my hand. "A nameless shinobi who protects peace within its shadow. That is a true shinobi."
"But why?" I asked, knowing deep down.
"Sometimes the truth has the power to shake a nation's foundation as the solution may not always be righteous. A true shinobi will forsake acknowledgment to maintain peace even if they aren't around to partake in it."
"But that's not fair!"
"I know but that is how this world works. When your mother grew tired of it all she made her new home here the book you hold is proof. No matter how hard you look, you will never find that story in your hands outside this village. Which is why outside this island you can never utter this story no matter how you feel especially because of this…" Flipping the book to the very end she pointed to a note.
It is this man's last wish for the truth to remain hidden. It is our responsibility to keep our lips sealed outside.
・
Putting the picture down I let out a sigh. The issues were too complex for me to understand as either right or wrong as a young kid. Even when the academy's history class went over the significant wars across the ages it wasn't until I asked Auntie Kuzunoha that I realized just how much more bloody it was. How peace was maintained for so long without one of the major or minor villages lashing out due to an unsolved grudge was miraculous. Given this insight I could still not put his action as righteous or wrong but in a shade of grey.
But one thing that never changed in all accounts was how much he did to protect his brother. A choice I sympathized with. Thanks to his choices his brother, my uncle, lived to adulthood, and from what mama told me I even have a cousin in Konoha.
"Konoha…" Unlike my siblings, I was excited to go to Konoha not for the chunin exam itself but for a couple of reasons. I wanted to see my uncle and cousin even if from a distance, not only that but I wanted to meet the Hokage, the position my father once dreamed of. Not only that but some part of me wanted to see the place mama and father grew up.
Knock knock.
Looking at the door Suiren, appearing as a black-haired boy my age wearing a black kimono with his sleeves pulled back by a tasuki. He looked like any other ordinary kid if not for the small wings coming out from his back.
"I have come with the sweets you requested, young master!" He proclaimed holding up the bag with pride. "Also I believe–"
Over his head, grandpa Kamen poked his head in. "Haruki, be ready to leave in an hour, your mother is almost done talking." As he spoke Suiren looked up, his facial features scrunched up as grandpa Kamen said first what he was probably going to say.
"Thank you, grandpa Kamen, I'll be ready in a few minutes." I smiled. I wasn't too sure what the beef between the crows and foxes was but Suiren was very keen on keeping up the rivalry even though the foxes had gotten over it once mama allowed Suiren to remain in the manor.
When grandpa Kamen left Suiren hopped by me and pulled out my snack scroll from my bag to store the snacks he had gotten for me. "You know mama was the one who saved your life that day and you knew our ties with Mt. Inari, so why form a contract with me?"
"There's no need to ask such a thing, young master." Rolling up the scroll once more he turned to look back with shining dark blue eyes. "How could we turn a blind eye to such a shining person?"
Doubtful. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was neither charismatic nor dressed as bright and colorful as Uncle Ryota on the contrary I was dressed quite neutrally if not a bit drab.
"Krrkrr," he stifled a laugh. "Young master a person's brilliance isn't so superficial."
"Ah… thank you." Clearing my throat, I picked up miso and buried my face in her fur. Even with his compliments on my personality, I failed to see the brilliance he spoke of. 'Maybe he's talking about my dream. Yes, that must be it. Just like mama I'll make sure it's peaceful for the next generation.'
An hour earlier
3rd POV
Right outside the twin's room on the left wing of the manor, a hatch to the attic could be found right outside their rooms. In said attic, the twins had made their own little hideout right above their rooms.
Looking over their board they were going over their plan. 'Operation Wind' the board read and in their hands were their findings from the game. Once Haruki made his guess they knew they would have to give their answer as well. But figuring out who their father was was no challenge at all as the hints were everywhere and Airi had manifested an undeniable ability of her bloodline. But not wanting to accept the answer or to hear the truth they lied and instead gave a logical but wrong answer. They chose Takeo as their answer, a visiting samurai and close friend of their mama's who came by once a year to train the students.
When they were supposed to be told the answer on their 12th birthday they chose to postpone it until after the chunin exams but surprise surprise this year would be different and a select few would head to Konoha to participate. As their mama's students, it was assumed they would naturally go but were given the option instead. To their surprise, Haruki strongly voiced his desire to go and Airi sided with him. Reluctantly Makoto agreed to make his siblings happy.
"Alright, now we know he will be there, which means mama will definitely try to tell us, but how can we delay it until we return?" Makoto asked as they would spend a month and a half in Konoha. The exams were a convenient excuse. Training all day and sleeping in early were good ways to avoid her, but there were only so many times they could use that before mama put her foot down to talk to them.
Seeing the gears turn in her brother's head Airi sighed. "Makoto… why don't we just tell mama we know."
"Because then her objective will change from telling us to meeting him."
"He probably already knows," Airi mumbled. "They had a deal after all."
"What deal?"
"Mmm…" Looking down at her rabbit plush she hesitated as it was an assumption she had come up with. "Remember how when we chose a place to get our first flying beast soul and how I chose the Suna's sand hawks?" Her brother nodded remembering her choice at the time and the surprise that came with it. Putting down her rabbit plush she threw her body back into the beanbag. "When mama picked me up I overheard Kankuro-san telling mama her part of the deal was overdue. She said it was not her choice and asked what happened to make us upset on our last visit."
"What did he say?"
"Nothing. But it makes sense, you know. Out of all of mama's outside friends aside from Auntie Hinata, they always attend our events." Holding her hand out she began to list the birthdays they attended and their visit during their academy entrance, their academy play, and even their graduation. Airi noticed the two outliers at every event to the point where it became her game to try to find them among the crowd.
"Bah, he probably said that because they realized they messed up." Pouting Makoto turned away seeing sense in what she was saying after all in all these years they were the only ones they were allowed to visit. They haven't even visited Auntie Hinata in Konoha until now. "Anyways it won't change no matter how much mama tries to get us to get along. I won't accept that man as my father if that's how his home will treat mama."
Hearing the attic ladder creak as someone was pulling it down Airi bolted up hiding their papers under the bean bag while Makoto quickly flipped the board to their Konoha itinerary. Once Kamen poked his head in he let the twins know about their coming departure. "Really! It's about time they stopped talking," Suddenly Airi perked up, "My clothes!" Remembering her empty luggage sitting on her bedroom floor and the clothes she had yet to sort through for her downtime she headed towards the stairs leaving her brother alone.
Clearing the stairs for Airi, she quickly jumped down. Standing in the Attic Kamen glanced at the room seeing how much the children had rearranged the beanbags, and fluffy rug from the last time he was here when he helped bring everything up. Noticing the knotted brows on his grandchild's face he asked, "Makoto are you alright?"
"Yeah," He answered, his brows furrowed still trying to come up with excuses. "Just trying to remember if I forgot anything."
"Understood." He heard the lie but understood there was no need to pry into someone unwilling. "Haru and Hina will be on standby if you need help bringing your stuff down to the ship."
"Ok, thank you, grandpa Kamen."
・・・
"–that concludes our briefing." Behind closed doors in one of the employee break rooms Yukino finished her briefing of the village and their responsibilities. "Now what are we supposed to do?" She asked the room consisting of her children, summons, and the team who volunteered to take part in the test to represent their village.
"Be respectful. Don't fight. But if we do, be subtle." Everyone repeated.
"And if anyone asks about our village, only talk about how it's good for a vacation. Don't give any information about our operations, organizations, or clans. If you accidentally leak or believe to have leaked sensitive information remember the individuals involved and immediately report to me or your sensei. Don't try to solve it on your own come to us we won't be upset but we will if you keep quiet." Making everyone repeat the points she just made she felt a bit of relief. This exam was important as over the years their trading businesses had been booming and although it brought prosperity it also made them vulnerable as there were those who believed that they were a small island with no protection. So this event was what she needed to put her face and village on the news as a small but strong place with friendly connections to its neighbors. "Good luck with the exams. I know many eyes will be on you during our stay but I hope you will find time to enjoy what Konoha can provide. That is all." With that, she gave a curt nod before stepping out for some fresh air.
"Alright, we'll be at sea for the next three hours," Utahime sensei of team 13 spoke up, "You're free to roam the ship but keep your ears open for any announcements over the speakers, navigating the whirlpools is no joke and the last thing we need if for one you to fall overboard. I'll be in the lounge entertaining our guest."
"Hey Akane!" Airi called out as she got up from her seat dragging her brother along to join the other table.
"Airi!' Hugging each other they turned to the table. "Sorry for not being around all week, you won't believe the torture Utahime sensei put us through. We practically lived in the library with how much information we had to learn." Her teammates and their former classmates nodded in agreement but with this trip arriving they would be allowed to relax until the exams began.
"Hey Makoto, you look pale." Kataoka Suzumeno smiled, noticing him stiffer than usual. "You worried about failing in front of your mom and her majesty?"
Irked Makoto smiled. "As if, if anything, you should be worried. I bet if you fail the second round your sensei won't let that go so easily."
With a smile plastered on his face, the young Suzumeno kid hummed as one of his sparrows chirped to him. "You got a point, there must be scarier things than an exam waiting in Konoha if it has our class president so tense."
"Kataoka," his quiet teammate popped up from behind him, "I just remembered you lost that bet a while ago. When we go shopping I think you'll work nicely as our bag holder." Unable to see her eyes behind her shut eyelids Makoto felt a cold chill as her intent was clear. "Makoto-kun, would you like to play a game?" Sachi Kinukami smiled, wanting to get another hand for her upcoming shopping trip.
"Uhhh… I have to find mama."
"Pity. Well if you see Haruki-san pass along my offer."
"What are we playing?" Airi turned into the conversation. Seeing Sachi shuffling a stack of Shinobi bout, she took a seat and so did Akane. "I'll play but no bets."
"Mmm… that's fine with me." She smiled, "Oh but we should go to the lounge, or else Utahime sensei will come find us."
As everyone got up Makoto looked for his older brother. His summon, always at his hip, had disappeared when they boarded, vowing to meet him again in Konoha with tears in his black eyes. Remembering the eccentric summon he chuckled. As a shadow passed over him his curious blue eyes looked up seeing his brother flying alongside a crow. From his side, something swooped up from the ocean.
Flying alongside his brother he could hear his mom's praises towards his form. From below he watched, feeling his chest tighten as an uncomfortable feeling filled him he clutched his chest. 'I'm the heir so why does he always get more attention?'
"If you want to join, just go up," Kamen said, standing behind the young boy as he looked out to sea. "I didn't hear her banning you from approaching."
"Ah," Heating up he huffed, crossing his arms. "Who says I was going to join? I was looking for Haruki to tell him about the game but I see he's busy so I'll just ask later." Spinning around he rushed off to the lounge.
Staying behind Kamen let out a tired sigh he had a feeling a lot was going to go down in the coming month he was just worried it might be too much for their family.
As Kamen stood below Haruki landed on top of the ship and folded his black wings. "Tired already?" he heard his mom ask as she kept gliding around him.
"No," undoing the jutsu the wings retreated and he felt his arms ache a bit from the flight. "But uhm… mama, during the trip can I get my own room?"
Her ears perked at this and swiftly landed. "Do you feel like you will be stressed? Is it the exam or meeting them?" She asked dispelling the water back into the surrounding air.
"The last one."
"Then I'll arrange a room for you and Suiren." Glancing at her son she reached out brushing his black hair behind his ear. Feeling his mother's cold hand Haruki leaned into it, and when he did she leaned her forehead to touch his a habit that had formed with her children to check their health in fear her body was too cold for them. "You know Haruki, you will have to tell them eventually."
Feeling his brows furrowed with worry she let out a quiet sigh. "Just a little more I don't want to tell them yet." Playing with his hands he worried about no longer being seen as the dependable older brother he was supposed to be for his younger siblings. He knew they were born just a few hours apart and it was silly to think that but since he could remember his siblings always looked up to him as the reliable one. After learning that he was meant to be born years ago it just felt natural to accept.
"Alright." Yukino let go and changed the subject to take his mind elsewhere. "Now about your siblings, what do you think they are worried about on this trip?"
"Well Airi promised me not to tell you but in my opinion, they are well prepared for it." He hinted at an external reason for his sibling's troubles. Although they had kept quiet about their plans he knew it was about that. After all, they didn't leave the best impression the last time they visited. Even now he doesn't think they properly apologized. 'I guess they must be waiting until we reach Konoha.'
"I see." She hummed looking out to sea, taking the young boy out of his deep thoughts. She knew she had delayed the reveal long enough. "Haruki do you think–"
"We'll be passing the barrier soon." The ship's speakers announced. Looking back, one of her hands lightly grazed her neck where the seal sat for the last 13 years. With yesterday's sunset, she was finally free. Feeling that momentary warmth as they crossed she looked back at her son as he squinted at the unusual feeling.
Letting out a chuckle she extended her hand. "Here let me remove that for you." Placing his marked hand on hers she removed the seal on his wristl. "I'll go down and help Utahime-san remove it from the others. Are you coming too?"
Looking at her son's face his eyes were wide as he stared back at their home. "It's all gone." He had learned about the genjutsu surrounding their home in the academy but seeing it for the first time was mesmerizing for him. 'When I return I should ask Auntie Kichi more about it.'
Yukino's POV
Seeing the curiosity in her son's eyes Yukino hummed and left him to marvel at it for a while longer. Heading down she spotted her father staring out to sea. Making eye contact she felt there was something he had to say. Eyes turning to the sea he uttered a phrase of advice. "Rivalry fosters growth but it can also be one's own undoing."
Oh how true those words were to her. She saw it first hand with Sasuke and Itachi, then with Naruto and Sasuke. 'To say this now…' Brows furrowing, she looked down the ship toward the lounge where her youngest was. Out of all her children, Makoto had taken after her the most. It was indeed quite worrying if she thought about her strong emotions quietly steaming inside her. She had hoped his rivalry with his older brother was just that, friendly competition. But now with her father stepping in her fears were reaffirmed. "I'll check his progress during the exams and step in if he's going too far. Thank you, dad."
Entering the lounge she saw the kids with their game of shinobi bout, somehow managing to rope in Kankuro and even making him bet. "Oh no, I guess you have to pull twelve cards." She could hear her daughter laugh as she slammed down a stack of plus cards. "Haha! But I bet you didn't have this!" Pulling out a reverse card Airi gasped but her shock slowly morphed into laughter. "Tsk, tsk how naive," she said before pulling out her own reverse card.
Approaching Yukino glanced at the kids' wrists seeing that the seal had been removed. 'I'll have to thank Utahime-san for this later.'
Laughing at his sister's antics Makoto tensed up the moment he sensed his mother and put his cards face down. "Mama!"
"No need to stand. It looked fun. Can I join the next round?" She waved her child to sit but noticing his laser focus his sister took the opportunity to glance at his cards. Making eye contact the cheeky girl smiled and put a finger to her lips making her sigh. 'Of course, she had to get that from me, or is that Temari's side showing through?'
"Of course mama. Want me to tell you the rules?" Her son eagerly offered.
"No it's all right I'll learn as I watch," seeing him wilt slightly at the rejection she added, "but if I do I hope it's not annoying this game is new to me it didn't exist in our generation right Kankuro?"
"Hm? Oh yeah right." Looking up from his newly added cards Kankuro briefly agreed before returning to them clearly not wanting to lose.
Taking a seat behind her children she quickly sent a message to Haruki on the roof about the game before looking at what everyone was doing and trying to learn. It seemed simple enough but the kids had their rules on how they wanted to play so the rules were slightly different than the game the kids at the orphanage played. Even so, she understood they had agreed to split the winnings to the first three who finished their cards, and as the spots narrowed for the top three the game intensified as hit after hit was placed.
It was amusing seeing everyone let down their guard and play, even the twins who were wary around Kankuro had lowered their guard. Once the first three were out the game devolved into not being the last person out just for fun. Seeing how the game still had some time before it was over I quietly got up and headed to the stage in the lounge where Utahime-san had been playing the shamisen.
Stepping onto the stage I took the empty seat next to her, creating a small portal I stuck my hand in and took out a dark bamboo flute. "Care for a short duet?"
"It would be my pleasure." Ending her current song she tied up her long purple hair and readied her bachi.
Raising the ryuteki flute to my lips I started a familiar song. As we both played, the calm sound of home quietly filled the air of the lounge reminding us of why we were all here. For our home. For peace, we have enjoyed these last few years.
As the song came to a close I put my instrument down and thanked Utahime-san for the opportunity. "It was my pleasure, Yukino-san. Thanks to you I can provide my team with an experience other teams won't."
"Hah. I should be thanking you for that. Aside from you no one else volunteered to come." She sighed remembering the meeting that day she brought up her proposal for the event. With changing times shinobi's purposes had changed and thus chunin criteria and exams had changed depending on the job each team was aiming for so she had already assumed around 80% of the teams would not opt-in as the teams were specialized.
But out of the other 20%, only Utahime-san volunteered and by some sheer luck, her team was on board. They were, after all, one of the few teams training to be part of the Anbu. I knew Akane was ready but her team I had yet to see. Unfortunately, with our arrival to be announced soon, Ryota and Emi had to stay behind to manage things on my behalf and prepare for anything that happened after the announcement. If everything was clear they would be heading over in time to see Akane's exam performance.
As Utahime-san played the strings of her instrument once more she hummed, "Well then it's an opportunity to show everyone just how much of a missed opportunity it is."
"Then I guess we have to both make it to the finals." I smiled as I stood up knowing all of Uzushio would tune in to the Konoha TV station if we could make it to the final exam it would look good as it would put us on par with the other great villages. 'I should start planning on some joint training sessions.'
Makoto's POV
Arriving at the Land of Waves late in the afternoon, we were handed cloaks before we could disembark. As I put mine on and waited for everyone, I glanced at the news and saw the reporters talking about last year's events with highlights of those events playing in the back. I was in awe at the Kage's prowess that day but the worry in mama's eyes was something I couldn't forget. She had told us before, or more like lied to us once when we were three that being so free-spirited as she was she bound herself to the island to rest. Even though she had bound herself, it seemed the seal had specific rules preventing her from removing it preemptively as she kept tapping her neck and checking the seal during the fight. I admired mama more that day for wanting to join the fight the moment it wore off but as the fight reached its end the seal remained.
Clapping once, my eyes turned to Utahime-sensei. "Yukino-san went ahead to check us in so make sure you don't forget anything because once we disembark the ship is going right back."
As she said this I glanced at Airi. "Do you have your–" Before I could finish she held up her camera with a frown. A camera mind you, she has more than once displaced both inside and outside our home. 'I really should put a summoning seal on that just in case. I should look at my console when we get to our rooms.'
"Alright after me." Following Utahime-sensei to the inn we kept our heads low the whole way, when we arrived mama handed us keys to our rooms. The members of team 13 got their own room while Utahime-sensei got an adjoining room. As mama approached she handed me the keys to our room.
Turning to my siblings I saw as Haruki received his own key. "No fair, how did you get your own room," Airi spoke up.
"Sorry," Haruki sheepishly smiled, "You know how Suiren is."
"You're summoning him again? Can't we go just one week without him?" Airi complained, feeling the same about the small summon who did nothing but try to pick fights with grandpa Kamen or the rest of our family. I nodded in agreement. 'For such a small body he sure does bark a lot.' But I was not about to say that out loud in case he heard. 'The last thing I want is for him to nitpick everything I do.'
"Airi," mama said, "Once you bond to a specific summon you will understand."
"Nuh uh, nooo way I value my personal space enough. Hey, if it's only me and Makoto in the room, can I switch places with Kataoka?"
'What?!' Looking at Kataoka's smug smile as he waved over at me I shivered at the thought of rooming with him for the next week if it was going to be like this. I would honestly prefer rooming with Suiren over Kataoka. Hearing mama hum as she pondered over it I looked over hoping she wouldn't accept. The moment I looked over, our eyes met and she gave her verdict.
"I'm sorry Airi but they'll need to share a room to go over their strategy for the first rounds of the exam. Nudging everyone forward away from the lobby she told us more. As we get closer I will tell you all more.
"Wait, what about my room?" I heard the man who had yet to sincerely apologize say. Looking at mama's smiling face I felt glee wondering what mama came up with.
"Why, you're rooming with me. Did you really think I'm letting you out of my sight to spoil the surprise?" As her smile widened and her eyes narrowed I noticed a familiar glow from her lower back. Grabbing Airi, Haruki did the same as we backed away. As we did mama's string-like chains erupted from her back and wrapped around the man. "Now come along," she chirped, dragging him with her to probably question him in private.
As we stood in the hallway Utahime ushered her team to move along to their rooms leaving us in the hallway to look for our own room.
"Anyways let's hurry to our rooms mama will probably call us down for dinner soon." Airi patted my back as she swiped the keys from my hands. "Catch up or I'm locking you out." She laughed.
・・・
Within the hour as Airi predicted we headed out to eat. "Honestly I have to say this place has changed so much since I first stepped foot here," Mama said as her eyes wandered around. "Believe it or not but this place used to be only a couple of shacks. It's thanks to the Great Naruto Bridge that this place became such a trade hub." As mama spoke about the place's history her eyes sparkled until they dimmed. "Things sure do change a lot. I hope some of the places I frequented are still open." Glancing to the side she smiled. "The food is coming. Once the food arrives, enjoy it, you don't have to wait for me."
"Alright." We all echoed. When Utahime cleared her throat her students corrected themselves, "Understood."
Stifling a laugh mama glanced at the waiter as they set the food on the table. Leaving they soon came back to refill our waters but before they did mama grabbed their arm. "Bring me to your manager." Startled, I watched as mama stood up taking the pitcher with her. As that man stood up. Mama shook her head. "Stay with the kids," before she dragged the waiter to the back.
Glancing at my siblings, Airi poked her food before tasting it giving a thumbs up while Haruki ate his food calmly. 'So our food wasn't messed with.' Glancing at the back where mama went I shifted in my seat hoping to hear something but everything was silent.
"Sooo uh where's her majesty?" Kataoka asked, trying to change the subject.
Turning my attention back to the table I answered his question, noticing he had taken out his own silver utensils to check his food. "She went ahead with her retinue." It wasn't exactly a lie on the surface it looked like that when in reality mama sent her shadow clones ahead to take a different path from us.
"Ugh, that sucks. I promised dad I would get a picture with her."
"Hey it's too early to give up, we're all meeting up in Konoha anyways." Airi encouraged him knowing full well mama was also the elusive ruler of our land.
"Give up on what?" Looking up, mama returned and took a seat as if nothing had transpired.
"Mama, Kataoka-kun wants to see her majesty. Do you think we'd be able to run into her in Konoha?" Airi asked.
"Hm… well I think she will personally thank those who make it to the third round," Mama said coming up with it on the spot. Kataoka looked satisfied with this but I wondered how mama balanced these two identities. 'Only a few more years for my coming of age ceremony… then I can help mama with the crown.'
・・・
After dinner mama gathered all of us and gave us a briefing on what had gone down. "I wasn't always a resident of Uzushio my roots are actually from Konoha." Knowing this already I glanced at the members of Team 13 and Sachi seemed to be the only one to be surprised which was a surprise in itself as I had never seen her eyebrows raise as high as I had seen them today. "I was a shinobi in my youth and gained a few enemies. Today they targeted me with poison. As Sachi raised her hand to ask a question, mama gave her the floor.
"Pardon but aren't you immune?"
"Yes. Which is why I believe they will be targeting you all until we reach Konoha." Mama confirmed her hypothesis: her face was stern for a moment before she smiled. "That was their plan but you don't have to worry about them. I'll be taking care of it. If there are no more questions, let's call it a night." As everyone returned to their rooms I followed after mama.
"Mama, wait. Take me with you."
Smiling softly, she ruffled my hair. "Sorry Makoto but there are things I don't want you to see."
"But mama I can help–"
"Makoto," she cut me off, "I don't doubt your abilities but there are more important things to protect. Stay with your siblings and let your mom take care of this. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes, mama." I resigned. With a soft smile, she grabbed my face and kissed the top of my head. Letting go she spun on her heel as she turned in the direction of her room to get ready.
After that day there were no more issues and while everyone relaxed and enjoyed the journey I couldn't help but think back to that night and how big the gap was. I didn't even notice there was a poisoning attempt until mama reacted. I know my siblings and I would be fine but Team 13 was in our care too. 'I still have a long way to go.' I sighed dejectedly, earning me a whack to the back of my head from one of the plushies Airi had bought.
"Owww!" I exaggerated hoping mama heard but looking up mama was nowhere near us having gone off elsewhere.
"Stop moping around, mama was so happy to give us a tour across the land of fire but you being mopey is dragging down the mood." She complained checking on the plush she bought instead of showing much concern for the one she hit with it. "What's your deal anyways? Mama already dealt with those people we haven't been targeted since." I knew my reason was silly so I kept my mouth shut trying to think of a lie. "Wait don't tell me it's because mama didn't bring you along on her hunt."
"!"
"It's that, isn't it? Wow, you're so silly, like really. You do know mama is the village chief for a reason right? She has years of experience and no way she would send any of us on a job like that. There's a reason missions are ranked; we haven't even gone above a rank C mission."
"I know! But still, I'm supposed to be her heir. How am I going to measure up?"
"That's it?" Lifting her plushie she whacked me again. "Then train, duh, instead of wasting time moping, pick up your sword, and train silly. I swear what would you do without your wise big sister."
"Ha, as if, you're only older by a minute because your big head wouldn't come out sooner."
"Hey!" She whacked me again with a laugh. "If you break this you're gonna have to buy me another."
"Me? You're the one hitting me with it." I pouted. "What is that anyway? I haven't seen it before."
"Oh, this is just the limited edition Isoo-bu plush, here you can have it." I just looked at her confused as she handed it to me. I didn't even collect plushies like she did. "Isn't mama going to welcome Isobu soon? You can show it to them then."
"Alright since you insist." Looking down at the chibi version of the tailed beast I had to admit it was a bit cute.
"How childish still playing with toys–" Before Suiren could finish his sentence Haruki swooped in and covered their mouth.
"It's cute Airi, have you seen the other ones in this collection? I wanted to find a Kuraa-ma plush."
"Hmm… I don't think so. I think you'll have more luck finding it in the Land of Wind or in the Land of Water. I know mine was imported from there."
"I was afraid of that… I heard our Himawari wanted a Kuraa-ma doll."
"Wait what!? Why didn't you say before there has to be one somewhere? We only have 2 days left before we reach Konoha!" Running back into the shop she was in before I heard her yell. "Hey, Sir!"
"Airi I already checked…" Sighing, Haruki shook his head and took out a local map crossing out the shop.
"I will inform her, young master Haruki." Suiren jumped at the opportunity to carry out his orders.
"I would appreciate that, thank you." As the crow boy ran into the shop he looked back down at the map.
"When did you hear about that anyway?" I asked. Wondering where this came from.
"I overheard Auntie Hinata asking mama about the doll during our birthday. I know Himawari's birthday has already passed but for our first time meeting her, I didn't want to appear empty-handed. I was hoping to find it but if we can only get it in another land we might have to ask mama to open a portal for us."
He had a point even with the getsugan mama had warned us of the dangers of trying to visit a place we hadn't seen with our own eyes. 'We aren't even near any other lands other than…' "We could check the Land of Waves…"
"Are you sure? We are quite far from it."
"I can handle it." As Suiren and Airi emerged from the shop we gathered together in an alleyway away from any curious eyes. Remembering mama's advice I thought of a quiet corner near the Land of Waves port. As the portal opened and everyone jumped through I followed after them last and when I crossed through I heaved against the wall and puked. 'Well, there goes my lunch.' As the world spun around me I heard my older brother instruct Suiren to help. As I leaned against him I wanted to close my eyes as the world kept spinning. 'How can mama do this?'
While in a daze, Haruki dragged me along following closely behind Airi as she found the most remote alleyways and obscure shops. After an hour of searching Airi sniffed out the doll still in its packaging. Safe to say with me still being a bit nauseous another similar jump would make me pass out.
"Alright, I'll do it this time don't worry." Airi pumped herself to do it. "I think we can make it if I break up our jumps like mama taught us." As she said that with confidence a shadow jumped down from above.
"Having fun?" Even in a daze, I could recognize mama's stern voice. Safe to say we received quite the scolding for going so far away from the group without telling anyone. Standing outside our rooms holding up a pillow for the last half hour I could feel my arms begin to tremble.
"Now what did you three do?" Akane sighed as the rest of her team returned from their day out. "Dad will have fun reading about this." She smiled as she took out her phone to take a picture.
Before we could say anything mama returned. "Good everyone is back, which means the end of your punishment." Free to put down the pillows I shook my arms in relief before mama guided us all to an empty lounge.
"Now with the date approaching it's time we talk about our entrance." With a smile, her eyes glowed like soft moonlight as she pulled out a whiteboard. "Here's what your sensei and I decided on."
3rd POV
After almost a week of traveling to Konoha, the Uzushio group checked out early in the morning but instead of walking to the village they entered the nearby woods and waited.
In Konohagakure excitement over the chunin exams was bigger than last year's as everyone couldn't wait for the long-awaited re-examination. But as many called it the re-examination of honor. After the fiasco of the previous exam and the cheating scandal news got out that a prospecting chunin from one of the villages rejected the promotion on the basis of honor. As eyes soon turned to the village's own shinobi, the contestants rejected their promotions as well, whether willingly or due to pressure from their village's opinion wasn't voiced.
While this was all going down Yukino sat in preparation for her final days of imprisonment trying to find a solution that would solidify their village's standing and guarantee their safety. Still, alas you can't do both while everyone thinks your cover village is your real village. As she looked for solutions a message popped up on her phone from the princess in the Land of Wind. That was when she found her solution.
The Land of Fire's daimyō's idea to hold a re-examination of the previous year's chunin exam to restore trust in the exam's integrity, after their winter chunin exams were held in Kirigakure instead and the genin participation was greater than in previous years it didn't take a genius to guess that it was due to uncertainties of Konoha's ability to prevent cheaters. Not only that but a bigger crop of participating genin increased the tourism making Konoha lose some of that income for that season. Learning of this she devised a plan.
With the Land of Wind's daimyō's help, the idea of bringing the smaller villages into the exams was proposed. However, there was a flaw with that, permission for that was already granted. The issue was that most of the smaller villages had stopped producing shinobi or had decided to exclude themselves from such events either to prevent humiliation due to a gap in skill or due to bad blood such as was case of the Hidden Rain.
"What if we invite a new village? One that has never participated in the exams before?" She echoed the words she suggested to the Wind daimyō.
It didn't take too long for the good news to reach her as well as a private letter from the Fire daimyō. Skipping the veiled wording she read the message loud and clear. They wanted her to steal the spotlight on the first day just to get the news talking about something else to take attention away from the previous year's exam. Not only that but in doing so it could highlight the daimyō's generosity and encourage the smaller villages to participate, strengthening village ties and in the long term business relations between nations.
One thing that stood out however was that the wording alone admitted that the attention she would get would be on the first day and first round. Most likely expecting her teams to not get too far. But there was no way she was going to let it end there. Once she stole the spotlight she was going to keep it on her. Without alerting the daimyō she secretly contacted a few more people for her purposes.
As the cameras focused on the procession of the participating villages a stone golem emerged from the ground. Riding on its shoulders the Tsuchikage stood proudly with her right hand standing behind her. Jumping off, the stone golem broke down, and from the dust genin both new and from the previous exam emerged following behind their senseis. Deliberately the home team did not need to be part of the procession as they were already home.
Similarly, each Kage planned for a similar entrance, following her the dust left behind began to swirl into a small tornado of sand, and from it, the Kazekage emerged with Kankuro right behind him. The puppeteer smiled and waved at the crowd trying his best to appear normal knowing what awaited their family this month. 'Knowing her there is no way she is doing anything subtle.' Even so, he wasn't going to spoil the surprise he still had yet to try to find an opportunity to repair his bond with the kids but whenever he tried the kids ran away from the manor which he was restricted to. 'This time for sure. I have a month before the end of the exams.'
Glancing at his brother Gaara could only wonder what his older brother had been up to the last few weeks. But with his sudden appearance and the procession they had to do, there wasn't enough time to ask. When he left leaving only a note behind no one could find a trace of him or his whereabouts it was as if the earth had swallowed him whole. There was only someone he knew who could do that. 'He must have gone to them.' The one place that had remained elusive all these years. 'I wonder how they're doing?' Even after all these years, he learned the kids could hold a grudge just like their mother. He knew no amount of gifts could serve as a proper apology so he had hoped to talk to them on their last birthday but they had chosen to celebrate in a location they weren't allowed to so they couldn't attend. He had to admit they were getting craftier the older they got to the point where he could see more and more of her in them. More than he had been able to see these last few years, the closest he had been to her was after her delivery but even after that he only caught glimpses of her shadow as she tried to maintain her distance. It felt almost cruel that they kept being invited to these events. 'Could it be…' Feeling a fog cloud over his thoughts he forgot where he was going with that train of thought. As they reached the entrance to the Hokage building his focus returned to what was before him.
From the other side of the Hokage lobby, he could hear the Tsuchikage encouraging her teams to do their best, threatening with intense training if they didn't get past the second round. Looking behind him at his brother he noticed his keen interest in the tv. Looking over at the screen he saw that the Raikage was already making their way to the Hokage building. 'The Mizukage will be next.'
On cue, the street was filled with mist and from it, the Mizukage emerged with his close hand right behind followed by the sensei and their teams. Once the crowd's cheers died down as the mist began to return. The crowd eager to see the Kage's prowess cheered but as the camera's lens panned to the Mizukage's confused face, a quiet hush swept the crowd. A sense of unease swept over the crowd even so everyone looked tentatively into the mist unable to tear themselves away. Then there it was, the strum of strings started slow and soon began to pick up its pace calming the audience a bit as they were lulled into the special performance. When a sparkle caught everyone's attention, the mist began to collapse on itself and in the blink of an eye, a garden of giant ice flowers was left behind. Suspense hung in the air as everyone watched with bated breath as the petals began to slowly unfurl. Emerging from the garden of ice a veiled woman stepped out followed by two teams. Before anyone could speak she disappeared prompting the camera to look for the mysterious woman.
"Ahem." Naruto cleared his throat drawing the camera's attention to himself once more. "This year I want to introduce to you all a special guest and friend of mine." Speaking those simple words, relief swept over the crowd and everyone began to cheer for this surprise performance. Naruto turned to look behind him as the mysterious veiled individual stepped forth.
Holding the mike out for her a slender pale hand emerged to take it. As everyone waited to know more about this mysterious friend of their Hokage a hush fell upon the crowd as the individual held up the mike to speak. "Greetings everyone," a honey-sweet voice greeted everyone's ears. As her other hand reached out she pulled off her hat revealing her face for all to see. Sapphire blue eyes stared straight at the camera as she flashed the most gentle and charming smile. "It is a pleasure to be here today. As such I, Yukino Uzumaki, am proud to reveal for the first time in decades that Uzushiogakure will be taking part in this year's Chunin exam." Those who already knew her face and were unaware of this change could only stare in silent shock at their screens while across the sea those in Uzushio cheered for their village leader and their participating teams. Everyone else who had no idea who the woman standing next to their Hokage was or the significance behind the Uzushio name only cheered but not long after questions would soon arise behind their relation due to their similar surnames. With everyone's interest fully on her, she made a declaration for all to hear. With a confident smile, she pointed at the camera. "Keep your eyes on us and we promise we won't disappoint, you know!" with that declaration using their Hokage's verbal tick the crowd cheered and their curiosity only grew. Handing the mike back to Naruto she gave a small nod before putting back on her veiled hat, just as she appeared she disappeared once more. With her appearance taking attention away from her teams, they managed to slip away avoiding the Hokage building entirely.
In another part of the village, the daimyō stared at the screens with wide eyes as the introduction was more flashy than they had anticipated but above all their village leader was what caught their attention the most. As their eyes turned the pale-eyed queen of the Land of Gentle Waves as she put down her cup without so much as a clink to her cup.
Unbeknownst to all, the pale-eyed queen was nothing more than a shadow clone with minor changes made over the years to create slight distinctions between Yukino and 'Tsukiko'. Once sharp eyes were now softer as she turned to look at the other daimyō in the room. "Forgive me for omitting some information." She spoke, her voice gentle and refined. "But for our safety, we had to maintain a cover, the Land of Gentle Waves is but one of my territories. My residence in truth resides in the Land of Whirlpools. However, my younger sister brought up a good point if you wished for a spectacle announcing our cover name would not have the same impact as our true name." Her pale hand rested gently on her chest, another distinction Yukino made for the two was the appearance of a proper lady for Tsukiko. While Yukino dressed however she wanted, Tsukiko was limited to the traditional appearance of what a noble lady should be. She wore the layers required of someone of her status and her red hair was so long it reached her ankles. Even though Tsukiko lived up to the made-up rumors the Wolves had spread as the hidden beauty in the Land of Gentle Waves, she was by no means a doormat. Under the crown she wore, and the many flowers and pearls she was adorned with a quiet sternness resided. "In the coming days, you will understand what I mean."
"That is quite bold of you, my lady." The daimyō of the Land of Earth, Danjō, could only eye the mysterious queen of the Land of Whirlpools. "Almost as much as your sister I'm afraid." He pointed out recognizing that woman's face the moment he saw it on screen. He remembered clearly the day his first wife was arrested due to that woman's claim. To him, it was nothing more than a petty excuse by the Tsuchikage to weaken his family's influence. 'Good riddance if it weren't for that I would not have been able to marry the woman I wanted.' Much to his grandfather's dismay at his first marriage failing he managed to soothe his anger long enough to claim his seat. Even though he benefited from it still hurt his pride at how that woman managed to take down a noble family from his land.
Hearing whispers, Tsukiko took a sip from her tea while eavesdropping on the Land of Fire's daimyō, Ikkyū Madoka, as he whispered to his secretary. "How's the public's opinion so far?"
"Quite positive, my lord. All the news stations are focusing on the identity of this mysterious village." His secretary whispered.
"Hm." Waving away his secretary he felt relieved, 'With this, our smeared reputation now has an opportunity to recover, as long as things remain as they were, peace will remain.'
"Oh my, how could I forget." Tsukiko smiled. Clapping once her lady-in-waiting approached carrying a tray with small jewelry boxes. "I had asked the Land of Wind's princess about the important women in your life and prepared these gifts keeping their preferences in mind." In each box, there was different pearl jewelry ranging from ostentatious to demure. To make up for its simple appearance she made sure there was enough intricacy in the thin metal's design to prove its worth. "And this is for your son," She handed Ikkyū his box. As he opened the small box he saw a pair of cufflinks with little diamonds around it. "These gifts have been engraved to react to nearby poisons. As it is my sister's specialty I made sure she engraved each of them with this seal. It is a little something to give you all some peace of mind about your special one's safety.
"I hope you do not take offense if I test it out first." Holding the box to his secretary she gave a nod in understanding.
"None whatsoever. My dear sister is very much like that with her children. I will make sure to properly introduce her to you at the coming party " Tuning to the news she motioned to it. "It seems our time is up, interviews will soon begin. I will do my best to stay out of it to amp up the suspense." Smiling gently she stood up, patted her clothes, and gave a small nod before quietly stepping out of the room followed closely behind by her lady-in-waiting.
Making it out through a backdoor her guards lowered the palanquin for her to enter. Once in alongside her lady-in-waiting, they teleported away to her temporary residence. The place where her teams would be staying and where she could finally discard her disguise from the many eyes on her from the moment she entered the village.
Once out of sight and earshot, the shadow clones disappeared leaving behind only an empty room. Making her way to the 4-star hotel Yukino let out a sigh as her shadow clone's memories returned. 'I knew he wouldn't be easy, then again he was the type to invade another land in an era of peace. Danjō… I know the type of person you are, let's see if you can change.' With a hum, she was certain he wouldn't change so her plans shouldn't either. 'A shinobi protects from the shadows after all.'
A/N: In the movie and anime I think that the people got over too quickly about the whole cheating in the chunin exams bit. So in this timeline, I decided to change that and Boruto has really tried to make up for that his friends may have forgiven him but the general populace still has an issue with him for disgracing the seventh.