Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shinobi: Pride of Pride ❯ Chapter Ten ( Chapter 10 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Shinobi: The Price of Pride

By: Hanasaki Rikku

Summary: With a clan like the Hanasaki, is it any wonder why Rikku is the way she is? She lost her brother and friend at such a young age, and things with Chizuko have seemed to only gotten worse. What does Itachi want and why does a certain Snake Sannin seem so interested in her life all of the sudden?

Rating: T/M. For violence (poorly written, but still there), language, and some other stuff I can't quite recall at the moment. Just be warned. Oh, that, and my horrible writing.

Genre: Romance/Action/Adventure/Angst

“If at first you do succeed - try to hide your astonishment.”

((CHAPTER TEN))

Chizuko awoke feeling better than she had in a long time. As she splayed out against the mattress, moaning in content, she brought her hands up to her face, grinning despite her self. Back and ready for action. That Hyuuga-what's-her-name was not bad at all. In fact, she could practically feel her chakra pulsating strongly, vibrantly, waiting for battle.

Hopping out of bed, she even bothered to tend to the sheets. She walked to her wardrobe, pulling out her Jounin uniform, whistling tunelessly as she wandered into the bathroom directly across the hall, setting her things down on the counter. She took a chance, glancing at herself in the mirror, and couldn't help but cringe.

She swiped a hand through her crimson hair, in the end winding up having to untangle her fingers from the evil locks. She glared at the reflected image in the mirror, cursing as she slipped out of her clothing. She stepped into the stall, letting the cold water run for a minute to wake her, then switching the knobs and putting the hot water on full spray.

Mercifully, she shut the water off before completely taking all the hot, toweling herself dry. She slipped into her uniform, taking her hairbrush and quickly untangling the strands, then snatching her toothbrush, running it under the faucet before applying the toothpaste.

She walked out of the bathroom just in time, Yami quickly shuffling past her and slamming the door with a resound `thunk'. Moody little… She rolled her eyes, brushing her teeth absently, wandering down the hall to the kitchen.

Four plates containing omuraisu, each with a separate drink, were displayed upon the table when she entered; her stepfather was already pigging down on his own plate, slurping his coffee noisily. She spit the paste out in the sink, rinsing her mouth and depositing the brush with the spoons, migrating her way to her own plate.

Subaru looked up from his plate, grinning wolfishly. She shook her head in bemusement, “What's the hurry?”

He swallowed, taking a long sip of his coffee, “Gotta open up early today.” He said no more, reaching across the counter to ruffle her hair before speeding out the door.

Chizuko chuckled, poking into her omelet with her ohashi's, digging out the rice and mixing it with the ketchup. By the time she was done, Yami and Kenji had already made it to the kitchen, arguing about something or other. She didn't bother to scold them, taking her plate to the sink and rinsing it out, swallowing the remainder of her coffee in one gulp.

“See ya, brats!” She called, forming a seal and disappearing from the kitchen. She reappeared in the semi empty streets of Konoha. It was still early, and she really had no missions for today.

Well, other than meeting with the Hokage-sama about Rikku's little mission. Oh well, she seems fine now.

She found herself wandering the streets aimlessly, pausing at a few stands here and there to grab a snack, before she remembered her conversation - if one could call it that - from the night before. Well, she had enough time to stop by and see Rikku, maybe get her into talking. It wasn't like she had anything better to do.

But…

She wasn't quite sure whether or not going to the other girl's house would be a good idea or not. She knew the basic streets to getting there, but she had never actually seen the other's home. They had known each other for more than thirteen years, and never once had she seen, or even glimpsed, at the Hanasaki residence.

It was supposed to be quite big, and she had always, as a child, found herself curious and tempted to follow the girl home. She tried it once, actually, but Rikku had gotten mad, which in itself was a rare feat.

Unable to deny her curiosity any longer, she found herself racing down a winding street, hoping Rikku had grown out of whatever it was that kept her from inviting other's to her home. Maybe she was self-conscious about her house. She couldn't image the girl actually caring what another thought, but…you never know.

A tinge of envy startled her slightly, causing her to falter in her step. Kakashi knows where she lives. He was there last night.

She shook away the thought, and continued on, dismissing it as nothing. There was no reason to feel jealous. Rikku hated the man… and she hardly knew him herself.

She frowned, but was shaken from her inner musings when a massive wall appeared out of the thick foliage, the stray path settling a good distance before it. From her vantage point, she could just barely make out two inconspicuous Jounin ranking guards standing before the enormous gates vigilantly.

She couldn't help but gape at the sheer size; there was no way Rikku could live here. It was bigger than the Hyuuga and Uchiha's estates combined. Willing to give it a try anyway, she strode up to the gates, both guards immediately stepping before her. It didn't matter whether Rikku lived here or not, she'd never come across this place in her entire life of living in the village, and she sure as Hell wasn't about to pass up a chance to check things out.

“What business do you have here?” One of the guards snapped, glaring at her.

She scowled in return, but forced herself to remain calm, “I'm here to talk with Rikku.” It was possible that Rikku didn't live here. That she had just taken a wrong turn somewhere.

Actually, she didn't know which of the two she was more concerned with. If it turned out Rikku didn't live here, then she would really have no where to start her search for the girl. On the other hand, if Rikku did live here, well… then she had a lot of explaining to do.

The other guard frowned in suspicion, “Rikku-sama is in meeting at the moment and she cannot be disturbed. Speak with her another time.” He sneered, a haughty look upon his tanned features.

Rikku-sama? What the hell? She crossed her arms over her chest hotly, “Listen, I came here to talk to Rikku, and I'm going to talk to her like it or not,” she stated defiantly, “Just tell her Chizuko's here to see her.”

The first guard took an offensive step forward, “As I've said before, Rikku-sama is in a meeting. Come back another time if it is so urgent.”

“No. I want to talk to her now. I can wait for the stupid meeting to finish.” Deciding to take a chance, she smirked, “I'm a close friend of Rikku's, and you don't want to make her mad by forcing me to leave when I have something very important to speak with her about.”

That definitely got to them, for they stiffened considerably, exchanging nervous glances. She was sure she didn't want to know what had caused these two commendable Jounin to fear a girl half their age. After a moment, they conceded, forcing the large doors open, grumbling all the same and shooting her dark glares.

The first guard pointed to a large manor-like building located near the front. “You will find her in the Southern District, the main house. You can't miss it.” She nodded, grinning triumphantly as she marched past the gates and followed their directions.

It was a surprisingly long walk from the gate to the house in which they had specified, which made her wonder just how big the place really was. Passing many shops and stands, her infamous curiosity continued to grow, and a slight frustration towards Rikku, which was quickly pushed away by her sheer fascination for the place.

She stepped up to the wide shoji, knocking soundly on the wooden frame. She didn't miss the serpent decor that lacquered the fine mahogany.

The door slid open after minute, revealing a weary old woman. Her face remained indifferent, a look of contempt shadowing her features as she perused her countenance. “What is it?”

She bit back the snide remark, reminding herself not to do anything stupid whilst in Rikku's home. I can't believe she liveshere! “I'm here to see Rikku.”

The woman frowned, “She's in a meeting.”

Chizuko resisted the urge to roll her eyes, “So I've heard. Can you get her? I need to talk to her.”

“I am afraid I am unable to do so. Hokori-sama specifically demanded no interruptions, whatever the cause.”

Chizuko sighed, “Fine. How much longer will it be?”

“Half an hour.” She relied immediately. Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, “How is it that you know milady?”

Chizuko almost broke then and there, but forced herself to restrain her laughter until Rikku came around. Milady? Gah! What the Hell? “Um…we've been friends since the academy.”

The elder nodded in approval, but remained suspicious, “If you must stay, you may wait in the tea room.” Apparently, no one here seemed to keen in displeasing the Hanasaki heir.

Chizuko hesitated, “Uh, sure.” She followed the woman into the house, the woman sliding the shoji shut behind her. As she stepped forward, she felt the elder woman's surprisingly strong grip around her wrist. She frowned, glancing back, “What?”

“Shoes.” The woman stated scornfully, gesturing towards her feet. When all Chizuko gave her was an incredulous look, she elaborated, “Take off your shoes.”

Chizuko blinked. What the Hell? She sighed, stepping out of her sandals, still mildly confused. She was even more so baffled when the elder woman sighed in agitation and bent down to line up the sandals neatly, toes pointing towards the door.

“Wait here.” The woman commanded, and she could hear the barely concealed disdain in her voice. She returned minutes later with a pair of slippers. “Put these on.” Chizuko did as told wordlessly, partially scared of the old hag now. With a nod, the woman led her to a room down the hall, motioning her in.

Chizuko stepped inside, and the woman tugged impatiently at the hem of her Jounin vest, gesturing for her to take a seat on the tatami. As she did, she was pulled back again. She huffed indignantly, glowering, “Now what?”

“Take off the slippers,” the woman reprimanded. Chizuko sighed again, slipping out of the slippers and dropping down on the mat. Before she left, the woman glanced back with a warning glare, “Don't touch anything.” And then was gone.

As the minutes ticked on, Chizuko's hand twitching restlessly at her sides, she finally settled for examining the room. Really, it was big enough to fit her little house, and she still couldn't believe Rikku lived here.

It was fairly quaint, with antique furnishings and walls covered with beautifully painted rice paper shoji. The center table was surrounded with tatami, while the rest of the floor remained a rich chestnut. The style and design spoke of regal elegance, yet toned down with a subtle décor.

The clay pitcher and cups on the tea table in front of her were solid ebon, the centerpiece a narrow vase with two winding serpents along its length and a single black rose within. Black rose… She shook her head, leaning in close to examine the foreign beauty. Only Rikku.

She couldn't help but whistle to herself, leaning back in her seat with another quick glance about the room. Who knew Rikku was so well off?

The fusuma slid open to reveal the hag from before, followed by a young woman. She frowned to herself, wondering what could take so long and where the Hell Rikku was. Are they going to kick me out or something?

The new arrival stared at her with a barely concealed form of surprise, her midnight black hair reaming her pale features, falling just below her shoulders. She wore a long, formal robe. Amber eyes narrowed, “What are you doing here, Chizuko?”

It took her a moment to realize exactly whom she was looking at, and she shot up from her position, a startle cry emitting from her lips. “Rikku!”

Rikku's face remained callous and unwavering as she stepped forward, the surprise extinguished quickly behind a careful guard, dismissing the other woman. The lady opposite bowed lowly, quickly exiting, leaving her with a girl who couldn't possibly have been Rikku. Chizuko shook her head, almost considering slapping herself just to make sure this wasn't some sort of dream…or nightmare.

The resemblance to the Rikku she knew was nil. For the Rikku she knew always wore her hair up in a ponytail, never sported creepy purple eye shadow, and had never appeared so deathly pale, though that could have been from the contrarily black ensemble.

“What are you doing here, Chizuko?” Rikku asked again, voice impatient and far colder than ever before. Her eyes flashed, but remained their vapid, emotionless and unreadable state.

“I…I…what…when…uh…Holy shit!” Was all she could coherently process through the torrent of thoughts coursing in and out all at once. Her eyes must have been deceiving her, because…this couldn't be Rikku! It was just…so…so…not her.

“You had better have a good reason for coming here, Chizuko. Hokori is not at all pleased to have his meeting cut short.” Rikku's voice was beginning to scare her. No, not her voice. Her tone. It was cold and steely, ominous and foreboding. She winced, flinching backwards unconsciously.

The door slid open again, this time unveiling a tall, wiry man, cold, calculating pallid green eyes locking firmly on her the second he entered. She shivered involuntarily, feeling a sudden animosity descend upon the room. “Who are you?” It was not phrased as a question, more of a demand than anything else.

Chizuko gulped, “Uh…Chizuko…?”

“You do not know your own name?” He sneered, but she could tell he was only enjoying her growing panic. He's worse than that creepy hag… The man seemed to suck the very air from her lungs, his eyes drawing her in and weakening her at the same time. She felt so insignificant under his powerful gaze, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end with a chill.

Rikku's gaze lingered on her for a moment before turning to address the man, “Hokori-sama, Chizuko is a friend of mine. You will have to excuse her rudeness.” She bristled at the Hanasaki's words, mentally glaring at her but saying nothing in fear of the man, Hokori. “I would like to have a word with her, alone, if you don't mind.”

“I would like to know what she is doing in my home, interrupting a very important meeting and calling you out as if she had a right to do anything worthy of our attention.” His voice reverberating against the thin walls, and his gaze fell on her once more.

“In case you have forgotten, this ismy house. You may do as you wish within your own home, for I do not care. Chizuko is a welcome guest here, and as of now, is granted admission to enter and leave my home as she wills.” Rikku retorted calmly. She had to give the girl props for standing up against the man, because he seemed to her the epitome of fear.

Chizuko could see the man's countenance fluctuate, fluttering between anger and arrogance. “I am still at head of this clan, Rikku. Do well not to forget that. For now, I will allow you to indulge yourself in this infantile fantasy that you have any say around here. My word is law until the day I die.” His voice rose steadily, the anger in his eyes visible.

“That can be arranged easily,” Rikku countered in a voice capable of freezing over Suna. He said nothing more, casting Chizuko a dark and baneful glare before exiting the room.

With him gone, Chizuko found it easier to breathe now, released a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding, steadying herself back onto the mat. “That guy gives me the creeps. Who was he?”

Rikku turned, watching her for a moment. Those amber eyes were so intense, so alight with whatever inner musings the girl was concocting in her world of sullen monologues.

She didn't speak for a long moment, and Chizuko was beginning to wonder if the girl was indeed upset with her coming. Damn, this was a bad idea… She didn't want Rikku mad at her. That was the last thing she need right now. She'd only hoped to speak with her opposite, of what she'd already forgotten.

At last, Rikku muttered an answer, so soft she had to strain to hear. “My grandfather.” Walking forward, stopping on the opposite end of the table, slipping off her sandals and kneeling before the table with ease.

That guy was her grandfather!

Chizuko choked, “That old geezer? I would have thought he'd croak by now. What's with him? He acts like something crawled up his ass and died.” She watched as Rikku proceeded to heat the pot for the tea, slipping a mixture of herbs before settling the lid, taking two cups from their stead and sitting them right side up.

“He is…quite strict,” Rikku commented vaguely, staring off into the table as though it was something mesmerizing. There was an air of awkwardness between them, and she knew it probably had something to do with her sudden and unexpected arrival. Rikku looked so uncomfortable, subtly shifting in her seat every now and then, a small frown pinching her brow. She tried to ignore, not about to comment and risk a blow to the girl's oversize ego.

Chizuko snorted, crossing her arms across her chest with a huff, “Yeah he is. Somebody needs to get that stick out his ass before he does croak of constipation.” Rikku sent her a look that told her immediately to be silent.

There was another period of silence, Rikku's hands fidgeting beneath the large sleeves of her robes, fingers toying with the hem in a nervous gesture. She was staring at the kettle, her eyes distant, her expression contemplative. It vaguely reminded the Himura of the girl when she was younger.

“I would still like to know what brought upon this… unforeseen visit.” Sliding the sleeve of her robe up along her forearm, Rikku neatly folded the tea towel, wrapping it around the handle of the pot and lifting it with a steady hand. She poured the hot substance into each cup, the black tea steaming in defiance. She handed her a cup, careful not to burn either, and then took her own cup, turning it three times to the right before bringing it to her lips.

It all seemed to be of some sort of ritual she was not aware of, like she had missed out and now could only sit and watch the younger girl. Following the girl's lead, mirroring her moves precisely, she took a sip. The instant bitterness of the tea was countered by the sweet taste of honey, forming a soothing and serene tang.

Absently, she remembered the unanswered question, Rikku watching her expectantly. She set the cup down, “Um…I had time to spare, and figured I'd come over and chat.”

Rikku looked unimpressed, “Hn. And you couldn't wait and go speak with another? I was having a meeting with a representative of Suna at the moment, and Hokori was not pleased with the interruption, as you can tell.”

“Yeah, sorry `bout that.” Chizuko blinked, glancing around once more before her features settled on a frown. She quickly pushed aside thoughts of her visit, opting to change topics and present the other with questions of her own. She glared, suspicious, “Hey, wait a minute. Why did you never tell me you were so well off?”

Rikku quirked a brow, not quite understanding. “Well…off?”

An impatient twitch was the only sign at the amount of restrain Chizuko was currently implementing. It took everything in her not to pummel the girl for acting oblivious. “Dude, your fuckin' house can probably hold half of Konoha! It probably takes up halfof Konoha!”

“And you are only noticing this… now” Rikku asked in a bored tone that sent her itching for a fight. How could she act like this was nothing? The rich bitch had been holding out on her!

“Why didn't you ever tell me, dumbass?” Chizuko cried, incredulous. Rikku had spent almost half her time all throughout childhood at her house training when they could have been here. Never once had she been permitted to visit the Hanasaki girl. She had thought, at first, it had been because her family was so strict, which they seemed to be, but apparently, Rikku had her own home and didn'tneed permission.

Rikku shrugged, taking a sip from her tea, “You never asked.”

“I never…!” Chizuko slapped her forehead, resisting the urge to slam her fist through the wall; though that wouldn't have been too productive, seeing as though the walls were made up of nothing but bamboo and rice paper. “Grrr…!”

“My family isn't something I'm proud of, Chizuko. You know this. There are reasons why I never wanted you here.” She heard Rikku mutter, her voice nearly lost to her even in the thick silence of the room. She glanced up, an exasperating yet empathetic look on her face. Rikku continued, “But you're here now, aren't you, and I'm not chasing you out. Though, I suppose, it would be only fair to allow you here.”

“Damn right!” Chizuko declared, clenching her hands into fists before her. Rikku shook her head slightly at the action, emptying her cup and settling it down beside the clay pot.

“Calm yourself,” Rikku stood, nodding for her to do so as well. She did so with a grunt, setting down her cup and hefting herself from the ground. “Come on. Let's go see the Hokage-sama.”

“No wait, Shizune-san said she would be in a meeting. It should only last till noon, though.” She called, speeding her pace to catch up to the girl. Rikku nodded, but continued walking. Rather than turning to the right, in the direction of the front door, she turned down another direction, taking a door leading to another hall. Chizuko fell in step with her, feeling too awkward following someone younger than her, and frowned, “Where are we going?”

Rikku sent her a small look, “The dojo. We're going to train.”

Chizuko blinked, a smirk forming on her lips, “Sweet!” She cast her eyes down to the ground, following wordlessly, but added almost as an afterthought under her breath, “Rich bastard even has a dojo.”

“I heard that.” Rikku's voice startled her, and only a second after, she found herself colliding with the girl. She grunted, shaking her head and taking a step back, glaring at the girl as she glanced over her shoulder back at her. Rikku raised a brow, no amusement, no annoyance, nothing displaying upon those pallid features of hers. “We're here.”

Chizuko glared, “What am I? A retard? I'm not blind, you know.”

“Do you really want me to answer that?” It was all Rikku said, her tone mocking, yet lacking any true humor. A slight lifting of her lips being the only sign of the smirk she wore; it would have been nice to see the girl showing some form of emotion if it were not for the empty look in her eyes. Chizuko continued to glare, following Rikku into the room.

She had to pause at the genkan, watching as Rikku slipped off her current sandals to slip on another pair. How annoying. She rolled her eyes, “What's the point of that?”

Rikku cast her an almost skeptical look. Almost, her expression remaining stoic. “You're kidding, right?” At Chizuko's glare, she sighed. “Honestly, Chizuko.”

“You know what…! Grrr… Fine, don't tell me! I don't want to know,” She huffed, crossing her arms and taking off her own pair of slippers and sliding into the newly offered pair. Her stubbornness decided to take over then, haughtily rising up and fueling her anger.

Rikku sighed, running a hand through her hair in exasperation, shaking her head. “How very mature of you.” Chizuko gave an resentful huff, turning her head in the opposite direction to glare at a wall. “Very well, I'll tell you.”

She shook her head in a childish anger she knew wouldn't last. “Nope. I don't want to know.”

“You are behaving like a child,” Rikku retorted in distaste, pulling her hair back into a low ponytail, several strands of hair fell into place at the side of her face, too short to stay within the confines of the elastic ban. She looked a little more like the normal Rikku that way, but the thick kohl lining her narrow eyes, more than usual, and the purple dust shadowing her eyes made her seem so strangely familiar to someone else she'd seen, but couldn't quite place a name on it.

Chizuko sent her a glare, “I'm older than you.”

Without looking her way, Rikku replied, “Age has nothing to do with one's maturity.” She made her way to the large chest in the corner of the room, bending down slightly and pulling out a key from within the folds of her robe, opening it. “Come here and choose your weapon,” she instructed.

Chizuko already had a weapon in mind, her anger all but gone now with the prospect of a good spar, but waited to see what Rikku would choose in order to properly counter. As expected, Rikku took out a bokken. It was worn, but still durable, and by the way the girl held it, worn or not, it would be indeed difficult to get through her defenses with that thing in hand.

She glanced down at the chest, taken aback by the assortment of weapons displayed, cursing under her breath once again, “Rich bitch…” She heard a slight chuckle, followed by footsteps as Rikku started for the center of the arena, and realized a second too late that she'd been heard. Again. With a final glance over the selection, she turned to the other girl, “Hey, let's use real weapons.”

Rikku had already begun to perform her katas, “Why?”

Chizuko shrugged, returning to the weapons, “Because, I can't find anything I like that would be evenly matched up against your sword.”

“It matters not what weapon you choose, but how you wield it,” was Rikku's ever clever response. She snorted, frowning disagreeably.

She sighed in irritation, “Just change the fuckin' weapon!” She cried, bending down to inspect one in particular. The Fuuma Shuriken, with its retractable blades and polished ebon coat. She gazed down at it appreciatively, stroking a blade lovingly.

She heard the girl's quiescent sigh, “Fine. Hand me the katana.” She stated, and Chizuko had only enough time to spin around and catch the bokken, glaring at the girl for not giving her warning. She turned, tossing the wooden sword into the trunk of weaponry, pulling out the sword she believe to be a katana. She held it out for the girl to see.

Rikku shook her head, “That's the dai-katana. The katana should be by the kodachi and other such swords.”

Chizuko just shook her head, mumbling, “Don't see the difference.” Pulling out swords at random and showing them to the younger girl, she eventually found the right one. Unlike Rikku, she wasn't as adept in kenjutsu. Rikku had been taught as a child, among many other things. Either way, Chizuko had never been good with handling swords such as the ones Rikku practiced and fought with.

Her father, her true biological father, had wielded a large sword. She had never met him face to face, for he had left before she had even learned to walk, but even then he would reappear within the Village. He hadn't been of the Village, and had met her mother on mission.

She wasn't sure whether or not he was alive; it could quite possibly be the former. But there was one thing in particular she could never forget. The weapon he bore like a lightweight across the expanse of his back, it's mere width capable of comfortably resting along her back. It was taller by a half foot than himself, and that in itself was incredible, for her father had been quite tall.

Her mother and father had never been together, and she remembered her mother crying even after her marriage to Subaru, her stepfather. Kazihiro had already been born to Subaru's late wife.

Her grip around the fuuma shuriken tightened as she remembered all the man had gone through; the villagers who blamed him for the death of her mother, claiming he had murdered both his wives. Even afterwards, with the aid of The Sandaime, they still set reprehension upon him and their feeble clan.

She felt the smooth girth of the katana rest against her cheek and gasped, startled. “Stop daydreaming, and hurry. We don't have all day.” Rikku retracted the blade, sliding it back into the sheath. Chizuko turned around, letting the roof of the chest fall with a `thunk' and the latch slip back into place.

“Heh, patience is a virtue. Didn't you always use to tell me that?” Chizuko smirked, readjusting her grip more comfortably. It took her a moment to push aside darker thoughts and forced it all back with a wide, cocky, grin.

Rikku's face remained blank, “You are going to use the fuuma shuriken against my katana?” She asked with an air of incredulity, eyeing said weapon with a look of disdain. Chizuko shrugged, twirling the blade in her hand, letting the four blades separate, spinning rapidly now. With a lingering smirk, she formed a quick seal with her free hand and disappeared.

There were little to no places to hide here, and it would prove difficult to sneak up behind Rikku without her notice. She would have to keep her distance, not only because of that, but because Rikku was rather dangerous when faced close up in battle. The katana was an effective, and one of the most deadliest of weapons, and even without it, Rikku's knowledge in the arts of Jyuu Ken, something only the Hyuugas where known to have perfected, was extensive. The first, and sometimes maybe even final attack, was the most effective and dangerous. Close range assaults would be foolish to try; she had fought against Rikku enough times by now to know at least that much.

There was little she could do at the moment, and would have to rely on her speed. Rikku remained, standing still and completely unmoving in the center of the arena, her right forearm stretched across her abdomen and resting on the hilt of her blade, gripping it loosely.

Charging her chakra, she let it seep into the fuuma shuriken, enlarging the weapon and sharpening the edges. Pausing, she flung it at the amber-eyed girl, chakra swirling around the blade, causing a small but effective whirlwind of crimson. Rikku dodged, as expected, charging towards her, hand forming a fist around the leather hilt.

A whisper as the blade was released from its confines, slicing through the air and then redirecting horizontally was the only warning Chizuko got as Rikku made to cut. The metal glinted a reflection of the pallid light in the room. She bent back, taking a step back to steady herself, then crouching low and aiming a kick. Rikku jumped to avoid the blow, flipping back and landing softly on the lustrous cinnamon of the wood.

From her vantage point, she saw the slight widening of eyes, almost nonexistent, and couldn't help but smirk as Rikku just narrowly avoided being severed in half as her shuriken came back, soaring through the air like a boomerang.

“Shit!” Rikku hissed, stumbling back and clutching her stomach with her free hand. The thin cloth of her dark robe was torn through, and she cringed, glancing down at the damage; her palm was covered in blood. It was nothing too bad, but it was enough to hurt like a bitch, and she almost regretted her actions but ignored the guilt and focused on the battle.

She caught the large shuriken in her hand deftly, smirk widening to a grin, “You underestimate me.” The blades were clean, but it hadn't been the weapon itself that had penetrated Rikku's defenses, for she could have easily avoided it at any moment, rather the chakra that still vibrantly pulsed through it.

Rikku grumbled something inaudible, shaking her head and glaring as she placed both hands on the handgrip once again, twisting slightly, then pulling herself to a more defensive stance. Crimson eyes briefly flickered to the crimson pooling on the floor, then back up to narrow amber.

She let the shuriken spin easily in her hand, both circling each other now in search for a proper opening; a thin trail of blood marred the polished wood floor. They continued this, going in for an attack sparingly and only when it counted. Rikku had managed to successfully parry her move and injure her arm, using the dull side of the blade rather than the edge. She supposed the girl was going easy on her, though that didn't stop her from inflicting a good deal of damage upon her opposite.

Panting, Chizuko let the shuriken spring to life once more, twirling it widely in her grasp before swinging it down at Rikku, at the same time rushing forward with a well-aimed punch. Let's see you dodge this!

Rikku caught the shuriken, jaw clenching and a flinch being the only sign that she felt the chakra coursing through the weapon. But with one hand on the shuriken, and the other on her katana, she was unable to do anything but toss back Chizuko's own weapon to avoid her attack.

Chizuko feigned the punch, jumping up and spin-kicking the girl, which she avoided with the flat of her blade. Before she could steady herself, Chizuko appeared before her, her momentum propelling them both back onto the floor. Her hand clamped around Rikku's throat, the other twisting her arm so that her own katana was aimed at her neck.

Rikku lay, panting, not bothering to struggle against the hold, no matter how painful the position her arm now lay was, “Get off.” Chizuko smirked, releasing the other and standing, cracking her knuckles and stretching her back with a satisfying pop.

“That was fun,” she announced, a gloating grin floating on her lips, “Looks like I win. Again.” She left to pick up the discarded shuriken, folding it and tossing it atop the lid of the chest. Rikku stood, sheathing her sword and making her way to the trunk, taking the fuuma shuriken and opening the top, setting the weapons in neatly. There was no response from the other aside from the occasional hiss as the wound on her side grew irritated.

Chizuko rolled her eyes, mopping sweat from her brow with a hand. As Rikku straightened, a wince flashed across her features. “We are evenly matched. You are only ahead of me by one point, Himura.”

Chizuko chuckled, “Oh, so we're back to formalities, are we, Hanasaki?”

Rikku merely stared at her with a look that said she would banter no longer. “Hn. Let's go see the Hokage-sama now.”

Chizuko stopped her before she could go any further, gesturing towards the wound. “You should probably get that healed. Remember the reason why she didn't let you go the first time?” She was satisfied to see Rikku consent easily enough, scratching the bridge of her nose with a grin on her lips.

Rikku grunted, nodding, and turned away from her without another word. She led them out the door, Chizuko following soon after with a mild sense of irritation; she didn't like to be ignored, and Rikku's quiet countenance was just as good as getting ignored by another. Honestly, was it too much to ask for a little conversation? Did the girl have to shut down any attempts at small talk with curt replies that really left no room for anything else?

They walked only three doors down from a dojo, the fusuma they now stood before holding the Hanasaki crest, below it, written in beautiful hiragana, was the characters for infirmary. Rikku slid the door back, stepping in without a sound. Chizuko scanned the dainty décor and followed, bored in seconds and she found herself sitting in a chair across the room.

A woman with long brown hair perked up, a flash of fear running across her otherwise unexpressive eyes. She seemed unaware of her, bowing lowly for her younger opposite. “Rikku-sama. What can I do for you?”

Behind the Hanasakis, Chizuko twisted a look of disgruntlement unto her features, annoyed by the constant formalities. It was so boring, and why was everyone so deathly afraid of Rikku? The girl wasn't scary… much. At least, only when she tried to be, which wasn't often. What the Hell was their problem anyway?

“A quick heal. I would do it myself, but it is chakra induced,” Rikku stated simply, glancing at Chizuko before taking a seat on the edge of the bed. Chizuko crossed her legs, resting her elbows on the armrests, hands waving about aimlessly in a soundless tune.

She hoped it wouldn't take long, because she was growing restless - yes, it had been Rikku's initial idea for the mission, but she was excited nonetheless. She promised herself not to let anything go wrong this time, no matter what. Her first mission as ANBU had been embarrassing enough.

“Hey, you know what?” She suddenly asked, startling the woman by speaking. What's herdeal? The woman had been antsy ever since they'd come in, and she had half expected to find her trembling as she worked on Rikku's minor incision. She shrugged it off and continued once Rikku had given her full attention. “I think Kazi said something about getting promoted.”

“Hm, that's good. What is he now? Lieutenant?” Rikku wondered, leaning back on the bed, watching the her in a leisure gaze, unperturbed by the woman working away at the wound at her side. Said woman, Chizuko noticed, seemed caught somewhere between running terrified, and utter bewilderment, as if she'd never expected the Hanasaki heir to behave so laidback and responsive. She didn't find it all too hard to believe, but it was humorous nevertheless.

“Yup!” Chizuko grinned, then, feeling her stomach grumble painfully, suddenly changed the subject by patting her stomach and declaring, “I'm hungry!”

Rikku blinked, “Didn't you eat anything before you came over?” She stood, now that the woman was finished, stretching out and feeling her stomach for any sign of scars. It had become habit, but as usual, there were none to be found.

“Yeah…” Chizuko ventured, standing from the chair. “But I got hungry again after training.” And as if to emphasize the point, her stomach grumbled again.

Rikku sighed, tucking her hair behind her ear, “Okay, fine. I'll show you to the kitchens.”

((CHAPTER END))