Naruto: Tales of Ashihara

Naruto: Tales of Ashihara

Shinden Saga – Arc 1: Kimera

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Chapter 112 – The New Water Daimyo

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The recent confrontation between Takeshi Minamoto and Fuyuko Yamanaka was, for the hero of Kiri, the first of a series of events that will result in a total change of his vision of himself. These events, on a larger scale, blend into a continuity that will constantly redefine the boundaries of power as known by the ninja world.

This chain reaction may have started with the coming of Momoshiki, or even sooner with the reign of Kaguya. It could find its end only with either the destruction or glorious rise of humanity. You cannot know. I cannot know. As long as the purpose and origins of the Daitengu's presence on Earth remain a mystery to us, we won't know of the true source and destiny implied by these tales.

For now, until the time comes for us to see through the fog of fate, let me tell you how the appetite and ego of one mischievous man will be used by the brightest mind alive to shine light on an unequaled age of divine intervention.

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Not long after his last visit to Hideo Kotobuki's lab, Takeshi Minamoto returned to his daily routine… well not exactly. His squad, Kaori, Yukiko and Kokoro-sensei, are currently on a mission, but he was advised to rest by the Mizukage, so he took this order and left the ninja glory to his teammates.

Takeshi is, at the moment, taking care of some housework at his parents' home, while Tsubai, his father, is on duty and his mother, Tokiwa, looks after Yoshinari, Takeshi's younger sister. Using his abilities in a playful way, he runs around the house to take care of many chores at once.

"Fridge is almost empty." he says as he passes by Tokiwa. "Should I go for groceries?"

"Um… Don't worry, I'll do that myself." she replies while trying to put Yoshinari to sleep. The baby is however distracted by her big brother who's running in and out instantly and repeatedly.

"Come on! I insist." Takeshi argues. "I don't have anything else to do anyway. And it would take me just a minute. Besides, you may have to work later. Aren't you still the top model of Auntie's brand."

"You know it's not Saori's brand anymore." Tokiwa answers. "But yes, they wanted to replace me with the new owner's wife, who's also a model, but nobody approved it. After all, the brand's name is still my maiden name."

"Truly irreplaceable." He flatters her. "That other model is certainly twice as young as you and as qualified for the job, but she's still not you."

"Stop flirting with your mom." she teases him. "Don't forget that I know what you thought as a kid."

Takeshi makes an awkward face and stops speaking, knowing what she's referring to. When he was 10 and found out about Izuna's crush on Inoue, he replied that it was odd because Inoue wasn't like Sakura at all. To him, it seemed logical that a man's type of girl would be inspired by the best woman he'll know, being his mother, but others found it laughable.

"Anyway, it seems like this job is more meant for me than being a kunoichi." Tokiwa tells about her thoughts. "I'm not any ninja. I am a yamabushi. But I'm just better at being a model. Even after 2 pregnancies, my body still has its special shine. Let's say I'm to models what you are to ninjas of this generation."

"Ha! I'm sure you're better than that." Takeshi argues. "Izuna and Boruto beat me. I can't deny this, even with Makura and Sojobo's powers. I shouldn't feel special."

"What? Who told you that?" she exclaims. "Everybody's special. You'd think that this would mean being special is normal, but no. Everyone has that one thing that can't be called normal. You're not the strongest ninja, you're not the fastest. But no one was ever better at being fast than you. When you were young, I used to brag that you'd be on par with the 4th Raikage. Today, you surpassed the 4th Hokage. Sure, don't try to be the most special, but don't try to be normal either."

Takeshi stops running around and stands still in front of his mom for a moment, oddly emotional about this motherly advice. While he stands still, his little sister raises her hand and catches on a finger of his glove.

"Gotya, Tatishi!" she happily says.

"Tatishi? Is this supposed to be me?" the ninja exclaims.

"Yes, and you're keeping her awake." Tokiwa complains. "Maybe you should go for groceries, so I can get her to sleep."

"Got that." Takeshi answers before taking his hand away from Saya and pulling his mask up to run out from the house toward the closest market he finds.

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On the way, Tentoki dictates everything he needs to buy for his mother and for himself, since he also has an empty fridge. He runs from shop to shop, takes what he needs and leaves a note with money to the salesmen to make it quick. In his rush, he's interrupted by Makura's voice who notices a familiar presence.

"The mercenary is here." the statue quietly says to get his host's attention.

Takeshi stops and looks around until finding Crow, Karasu Komori, sitting on a roof, looking toward him. He knows that such a personality wouldn't go out there and let himself be so easily detected. He's doing this on purpose, likely because he expects Takeshi to find him.

Considering this idea, he goes to meet the mercenary who immediately engages conversation, with no greeting.

"Things didn't turn out the way Killin' Kiss wanted." he says.

"What about her?" Takeshi replies, accepting this discussion.

"Rebuilding Kakumei is a dead dream." Karasu explains. "Only thing left she can do is find someone as powerful as Oshio Uchiha and start over, which isn't close to happen."

"Hm I see. I guess having Fuyuko on her side could have convinced Oshio to go on." Tentoki says to Takeshi.

"What about your employer?" the Minamoto asks. "Did it turn out how he wanted?"

"All he wanted was you alive and a bit more trustful." Crow says. "And it worked. Seems like you're not here to lock me in… Actually I may have turned things to my advantage instead of his."

"What do you mean?"

"I am but a weapon. And what's the worth of a weapon when its handler finds a better one?" Karasu tells. "Let's say I'm a well-handled weapon, but still slippery at will. If you don't hold me well, I will move on my own. My employer was gonna replace me with you."

"So you didn't actually try to make me join him?" Takeshi asks, confused.

"Indeed. I don't think you would have betrayed Kiri anyway, at least not so quickly… But if I really had to convince you, I'd have told you about the better intel access that we get, and how it could actually be more entitled to protect the world than ninjas. I'd have told you about the freedom allowed by bounty hunting, which allows you to still be a shinobi at the same time and live a double life."

"Really? I could?" Takeshi says, not containing his interest. "I heard someone say that you get a lot more money too. Is that true?"

"Takeshi… Don't even think of this." Tentoki says, bringing his yamabushi back to order.

"Right. You're right, Tentoki." the ninja answers, calming down before addressing Karasu. "Sorry bud, but it won't get me."

"I wasn't trying. Just telling." Karasu says. "But it seems like my employer found a new way to replace me with you. He'll get your trust by himself. He'll dispose of me in a way I can't refuse, and he'll make sure he's in control."

"Is he not in control?" Takeshi demands, intrigued by this possibility.

"The thing is… Anyone who hires mercenaries has to live with the fear that the money and assets will one day not be enough to keep the leash tight. The only way to make sure your hired wouldn't be able to easily take you down, is to overcome your need. And an employer who can do your job as well as you won't stay an employer for long."

"You're saying your employer wants to get me to replace you, but then intends to become stronger than me anyway?"

"Kind of. Remember, I'm just a bit slippery, but I'm still a well-handled weapon." Karasu says before standing up and turning away. "I don't think we'll meet again after today."

"Why not? You seem like a pretty chill dude." Takeshi answers, not getting the depth of Karasu's speech.

"Well, who knows? This has a slight chance of ending well for both of us." Crow says at last as he brings his hands together for a hand seal. "You should get those groceries to your mom quickly."

"Oh? Yeah. Right… Yoshinari's certainly asleep now."

"Hold on to things like that, Minamoto. Family, I mean. As long as you have that, you'll have reasons to go the right way. Without this, you'll end up like me." he adds before vanishing with the Shunshin jutsu.

Takeshi looks around and sees a flock of crows flying away from the sea and the village. He's a bit surprised by this meeting and discussion. It seems like Karasu is still willing to make him avoid a double life. And apparently, something big is going on. He should look out for the said employer, since he'll apparently approach him himself.

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Next day, in the same land but in a different village, Hideo Kotobuki, the director of Kiri's scientific department, arrives at a prestigious function. This village, neighbor of the now destroyed capital of the land, has been taken over by the remaining elders of the feudal family to be made into a new city.

On a gigantic hill outside of the village is the worksite that will become the new feudal palace. As it is still in the making but almost done thanks to the restless effort of the mobilized troops of Kiri, the gala to inaugurate the new Daimyo along with the rebirth of this dynasty takes place down in the village, in a reserved space.

There, Hideo arrives with 2 guards from Kiri and roams around to explore the place and discover new faces. He's greeted by many former inhabitants of the capital that he knew before. Due to his position in Kiri's system and his great appeal for art and culture, he befriended the people of this circle after several meetings. But like everyone present here, it isn't to reunite with old friends that he's present, but to meet the one who'll own this land from now on.

After avoiding enough people to get a little moment alone, the scientist stands near a display table and mistrustfully stares at a variety of prized alcohol bottles available for the guests. He's brought back to the crowd when he hears his name called by a voice he didn't hear in years.

"Well, Well, what is Hideo Kotobuki doing here?" Mei Terumi, the former 5th Mizukage, says as she comes closer.

"Lady Mizukage, It sure has been a long time since we last met." he answers after turning around and containing his surprise.

"Oh, I'm not that anymore. You can call me Mei." she replies with a friendly voice.

Hideo nods to comply and confusingly looks at the man by the former kunoichi's side. A tall handsome light brown haired and green eyed man who just looks back and smiles to appear as gentle as possible.

"And so you are the long awaited young gentleman?" Hideo ironically says.

"Yes! Hideo, this is Jishin. My husband." Mei introduces them to each other. "Dear, this is Hideo Kotobuki. He was a chunin under my command by the time of the last great war. Nowadays, he is the director of Kiri's laboratories."

The two men bow to greet each other and then shake hands.

"It's nice to meet you, Hideo." Jishin says. "So you fought in the 4th war as well? It truly seemed like a short but terrible time of unrest."

"It sure was." Hideo replies. "The wounds it left me with forced me to end my career as a shinobi."

"Well… Luckily those wounds have recovered, it seems?" Jishin answers, looking at the scientist from head to toe.

"… Indeed." Kotobuki simply says, a bit annoyed by this man's unsafe attitude.

To him, Jishin Terumi seems to only maintain interest in making conversation to act as nicely as possible. His bugging smile gives the same feeling. Knowing how long Mei has been waiting to find this kind of man, it is somehow unnerving to Hideo that she ends up with what looks like a parody of her dream.

Yet, she looks undeniably happy about it, and this bad feeling is probably just his perspective. To keep the conversation going, Mei tells more about Hideo to Jishin who just loves listening to her.

"After the war, Hideo was injured to such an extent that half his chakra pathway system was clinically dead." she explains. "He resigned, left the land for a long trip, and came back a year and half later with resources from across the sea that he provided to the village. He reintegrated Kiri as part of the scientific department and became its leader after just two years."

"I guess you found the right path for yourself." Jishin comments. "What lands across the sea did you visit?"

Hideo, not much motivated to answer this question, is saved by the interruption of an elder of the feudal family who gets everybody's attention.

"Excuse me, dear guests,…" he exclaims as he invites everyone inside a room dedicated for a special meal. "We may attend the banquet now."

"Great news." Hideo loudly says to avoid the on-going conversation he was having. "Maybe we'll finally get to see the VIP of the event then."

He walks away, followed by Mei and Jishin who also go toward the banquet room. To keep dodging a discussion about himself that he wouldn't enjoy, he keeps talking about something else.

"So tell me, Lady Mizu… Excuse me, Mei, I'm surprised that the 6th Mizukage isn't attending such an important event in person."

"Chojuro is busy enough with his duty as a Kage." she answers. "Trust me I know how time consuming it is. The only free time I had was just enough to build a future with my dear Jishin."

Still walking, she makes a pause after this sentence to cuddle with her husband, as Hideo looks away out of apparent disgust.

"Hmhm… Anyway, This event isn't as important as people here would like to believe." she adds. "The age of Kakumei had an irreparable influence on this continent's future. The feudal system isn't what it was anymore. Other lands, like Fire and Wind, just moved on from it and gave full power to the Kage or military leader."

"But this land didn't plan on moving on." Hideo argues.

"Sure. The Daimyo is a role that somehow maintains order." she replies. "In other lands, the ownership of the territories is unclear. Freed from taxes, smaller villages are starting to build their own sovereignty."

"If it comes to electing a new capital and center of power, this will be quickly concluded by the hidden villages." Hideo says. "They are the main power of each land. Even when feudal capitals were there, they weren't on par with the ninja force of a Kage."

"Sure, but it isn't only against small merchant and touristic villages that we're competing." Mei adds. "Mercenary orders and smuggling groups are playing this game as well. It seems like the cold war against an actual opposition to the Shinobi Union is on the go… With the feudal system, it is clear who the lands belong to."

"In this case, establishing an equivalent to a feudal system would be best for both sides." Hideo suggests.

"It isn't that simple." Mei contradicts him. "There is a religious meaning to the feudal order. Not anybody could take the place of the Daimyo."

"As long as he is chosen by the feudal family, it has to be accepted, doesn't it?"

"These clans won't let their power slip out of their bloodlines so easily. That's why they preferred to give up in most lands. And it's also why this land has to force the role on a teenager for the feudal system to remain."

After this point made by the former Kage, the scientist just nods in agreement and gets a seat in the banquet room, surrounded with his two bodyguards, also allowed at the table. Mei gets just a few seats away, next to her husband.

The following hour, they spend it in a glorious social event made in honor of the late Daimyo and his legacy. This place, the means put into it, the feeling it gives,… It isn't on par with what this high society was once capable of, but it is the best they can do now. The former imperial system that dominated the ninja world has fallen down to such a level that the Minamoto family's wealth may have surpassed that of the leading clans.

After 50 minutes, the doors open wide for the special host to introduce himself. Everyone stands up, gets in a column in the middle of the room and bows to form a human corridor that the young lord has to cross. In this theatrical act, Hideo slightly looks up to see the so much interesting new owner of the land.

He is… as expected. A teenager forcibly dressed in old fashioned imperial clothes. To make him look noble, the service couldn't rely on his masculine traits, due to his young age, and instead made him up like an heir princess. His whole body is covered with the traditional outfit of the Daimyo and the headgear that goes with it. The only thing left to be seen is his white painted face and pale gray eyes buried in blue mascara and eyeliner. Most importantly, his outfit and make-up doesn't hide his visible embarrassment. This boy isn't here by choice and it is infuriatingly obvious.

The young man takes a step forward and slowly walks by the bowed crowd. During his passage, he stops by a few people that catch his attention or that he is instructed to salute. Near the end of his round, he gets to Mei and her husband. Jishin Terumi just warmly holds the lord's hand and compassionately smiles to be as reassuring as possible. Mei, having noticed that most people before her tried to give advice or a greeting, says something.

"It is very pleasant to meet you." she says. "I knew your great grandfather very well. The end of the reign of terror was made possible only thanks to our combined efforts. I couldn't say as much of your grandfather, but he stood his position until the end… I understand that taking on this role now can be a hard task, especially at such a young age. But don't forget that, even if they don't want you to act like it, you are in charge. If you need something, like help or comfort, you can get it just as easily as anything else. Don't neglect yourself. It's the most important lesson I can give."

The young man doesn't answer. He just shyly nods and walks away, a bit appeased by her speech, but also reminded of all the torments and obstacles that others before Mei didn't dare to mention. Nearing the end of the corridor, he is advised by a valet to greet mister Kotobuki who rises and holds his hand with a cold and doubtful look on his face.

"… Good luck." he simply says, not having any advice to give this person.

The new Daimyo clenches his teeth, troubled by these simple words. "Good luck". It may be a token of support, but sounds clearly more like a menace, or a disregarding statement. This vision. He felt it in the gaze of others among the crowd as well. He isn't here for his enjoyment, and his presence isn't enjoyed by others either.

After centuries of reign by his ancestors, he is only sent to inherit this dynasty to save it from a certain downfall. Anyone other than his clan has already given up on this system, but he suffers from his youth. He can't stand up for himself, since it would mean giving up any privilege of expression.

Led to his seat in this banquet room by his nurse, he stands for a moment and gazes across the scene. Still inevitably intimidated, he avoids eye contact with everyone and eventually looks down, leaving a quite inglorious image of him to be witnessed. Feeling too uncomfortable, he quits. Before sitting down, he turns around and takes the door by which everyone came in.

People in the room do their best to stay silent and let him act as he pleases. Once the door closes, they gossip out their surprise and disappointment. Since forcing the Daimyo to come back right now would be inappropriate, the feudal guards and higher ups maintain order in the room and lead everyone back to their seats, ready to bring in the main meal.

The rest of the banquet, Mei and her husband spend it looking toward the reserved hotel in front of this building through the great windows surrounding them. The 5th Mizukage starts to feel as awkward as the young lord, knowing that this high society isn't the kind of environment she belongs in, and neither does her husband.

She is a child of war, who was forced to do horrible things in the name of her village and who lived a life of conflict and battle. Jishin is no more than an honest worker clinging on to his passion. Hideo Kotobuki as well shouldn't feel in place here. The people surrounding them have no idea what people like them have lived through. They can't even act understanding toward a troubled teenager.

Jishin, noticing his wife's lack of attention, knows what's on her mind, and decides to encourage her.

"You know what, honey?" he says. "I think we should leave this stifling place and show some support to this young man. It's not like anybody else in this room is gonna do it. Even the nurse is still standing there."

Mei looks around the room and indeed sees the nurse of the Daimyo, the woman who raised him and was present in all his troubles, standing here unbothered. Convinced by her husband, she first looks aside, hoping to bring Hideo with them, knowing that he doesn't belong here either.

Unexpectedly, it seems like he is better at blending in than she is. The lab director has left his seat and is having a private conversation with the representative of the feudal family, the man in charge as long as the Daimyo didn't assume his responsibilities. These two seem to have a serious discussion that she better not interrupt.

Too bad, she'll just go by herself then. She takes her husband's hand and calmly stands up before walking toward the exit. In this kind of atmosphere, the guards and servants only want to avoid a scene at all cost, so nobody will stop her from leaving.

Once out of this place, she has an advantage. Since the shugonin temple and the feudal guard was completely destroyed by Kakumei, the people mobilized here are all ninjas of Kiri. Ninjas who, for most, once were loyal to here. As a member of the honored council of Kiri, she still is in position to command them.

"Could you please lead us to the young lord?" she asks the ninja standing at the entrance.

"Of course, Lady 5th." he answers before bowing to salute her husband and her.

He leads them as expected to the entrance of the hostel.

"Do you have an idea of what to tell him?" Jishin asks.

"You're better with words than I am, dear." she replies. "Maybe I should let you speak."

Jishin gently smiles, flattered by this compliment, as the gate of the hostel opens in front of them. The married couple gaze at each other lovingly before looking back forward and crossing the gate. Neither of them, nor the ninja escorting them, notices the silhouette in a black coat pass right between them in complete discretion and silence and exit the place they're just entering.

On the other side, just a large garden with an artificial river and cherry blossom trees. Mei and Jishin hold each other's hand as they cross a short wooden bridge toward the door of the only dorm of this place. There, Mei's husband stops to look toward the sky in an intrigued manner.

"I didn't know there were crows in this part of the country." he remarks as he sees a flock of black birds flying away.

Mei looks up and only catches a glimpse of the birds who quickly vanish hidden by the mist. After a second she looks around, finding the surroundings oddly quiet. She looks at the roofs and courtyards around them, knowing very well that dozens of ninjas of the special force and hunter-nin squads of Kiri should be hidden there.

"This place is heavily guarded." she comments, to her husband.

"I don't see anyone… But I guess that's the point." Jishin responds. "I understand. I guess enemies and bounty hunters could be taking advantage of this event to put a definitive end to the feudal system."

"Yes…" Mei says while walking down the bridge. "Such heavy protection must mean that they have proof that a threat is possible. Someone probably put a bounty on this kid's head. However, such a contract wouldn't be attractive to any amateur. The price has to be high enough to catch only the attention of the finest…"

As she spells out her sentence, Mei is hit by a sudden realization. Stressfully, she looks back to the sky, where Jishin was focusing his attention earlier. Her husband, a bit confused, steps away, understanding that his wife is in need of some space.

"What did you say?" she exclaims.

"What?" he asks, wondering if he did anything wrong.

"What did you say you saw earlier?" she loudly says while pointing at the sky.

"Oh… Um. It was crows, I said." he repeats.

"Crows!" Mei exclaims before turning around, running toward the room of the young lord and abruptly bursting in.

There, as she feared she'd find, is the dead body of the young Daimyo lying on the blood tainted mattress of his bed. In the corners of the room are corpses of the few guards who were hidden inside the room.

Behind her, the ninjas who were guarding the entrance and the garden leave their hides to join the 5th Mizukage whose behavior is alerting. Jishin also comes running behind her and finds, together with the ninjas, the same nefarious scene.

"Uh-What?" one of the hunter-nin yells. "When did this happen?"

"We didn't see or feel anything or anyone!" another shouts.

The movement of panic of the ninjas gathering around the hotel gets the attention of the guests dining in the great room. Hideo, not sitting at his table, takes the initiative to go see by himself first, and is followed by everyone else.

When they arrive, they find the former Mizukage in panic, yelling at the present ninjas for explanation, but getting no answer. Jishin stays back, afraid to disturb his wife. Hideo steps forward and looks behind toward the room where he slightly sees the bloody bed and lying corpse of the event's VIP.

"Nobody saw anything?" Mei complains.

The crowd understands what happens, and the gasps and cries in reaction show it. Hideo steps forward to the Mizukage, still calm, and thinks straight.

"It must be a bounty hunter's doing." he suggests.

"Of course it is!" Mei says, already knowing who the responsible is.

"These men were all protecting the place?" Kotobuki observes. "Who could have gotten past this much security unnoticed? Mizukage, who could have gotten past you unseen?" he adds, to add weight to his statement.

"I know who it was! It was Crow!" she declares, to all the ninjas' surprise. Hideo makes a surprised face and widely opens his eyes, astonished by the certainty in the former kunoichi's voice. Mei can't take it easy. The one she just saw bathing in blood was just a kid in the wrong place.

"On his traces! This way!" she orders a few hunter-nin before addressing the others. "Call the Mizukage! We need the whole nation alert and priority target set on Crow!"

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End of Chapter 112 – Next Chapter: A Mizukage's job