Chapter Five: Monkey Business

Someone gave me a sharp prod in my ribs. "Just go already. I'll make it to class tomorrow," I grumbled, rolling over, expecting the familiar comforts of my dorm room. But instead, the earthy scent of loam filled my nose, and the sun's warmth on my face was more intense than any dorm room light. My eyes fluttered open to a sky smudged with clouds. This was not my dorm.

Another thump, this time on my shoulder, brought me back to reality. Panic surged through me. I remembered the kiri Shinobi, relentless in their pursuit, hungry for the message I carried. Fox. I sat up fast. Too fast, the world spinning, my hand searching frantically for anything to defend myself with. But instead of the one eyed Shōhei, I found myself staring at two elderly lady chimps, their curious eyes studying me.

"I'm alive, yes," I confirmed, rubbing my eyes as if that might change the peculiar sight before me. One chimp, plump and dressed in dark yellow overalls, smiled warmly at me, her cheeks round and comforting. Her companion, in stark contrast, wore deep green velvet armor looking thing and a stern expression. She leaned on a twisted hickory cane – the very instrument of my rude awakening.

"Should we invite him to tea?" the plump one pondered. "It'd be rude not to, given him state."

"And quite uncivilized," agreed the other, her gaze piercing through me. "But what about the other?"

Confused, I glanced around, seeing the still unconscious Fox. The "ladies" continued to discuss my apparent need for a 'good scrubbing' and the impending tea time.

"He is a bit muddy," the green-clad one observed.

"Enma will certainly comment on the mud," the other sighed.

The thinner chimp rolled her eyes. "He always has something to say."

"Come, child, no, will bring your things. You mustn't keep us waiting."

As they walked down a neatly groomed trail – a stark contrast to the wild underbrush I remembered – Fox followed behind, floating in the air, her legs dropped as if she was being carried. What the fuck? I saw my backpack doing the same thing.

What… I checked my head for blood, or any injuries… Did I smoke something?

"Are you coming, child?" the green-clad chimp called back. "It would be terribly impolite to keep us waiting."

I hesitated, still unsure - but then my stomach growled, the promise of tea and something to eat really appealed to my growling stomach. Despite my wobbly legs and pounding head, I got up and hurried after them.

In a chimp-filled wonderland, one does not simply refuse tea.

As I walked, the wildness of the forest started to give way, like it was slowly being tamed by some unseen hand. The trail, once narrow and barely there, began to widen, turning into a road fit for royalty. It was so different from the rugged Tea Road I was used to, all neat and tidy, like someone had actually cared enough to sweep away the fallen branches and trim back the wild undergrowth. Even the hedges were like little soldiers, lined up perfectly along the road.

Crossing a stone bridge, I heard the warblers singing, their songs like a balm to my tired mind and heavy shoulders. It felt like their melodies could actually make things better, lighter.

And then, there it was at the end of the road, standing proudly in a loop – A Tree House. Up above, with over seven floors, the manor house looked like it had been there forever, with its stone and timber and chimneys puffing out smoke that smelled like balsam. Going around massive trees, with stairs and stairs.

The windows glittered in the sunlight, and vines crept up the walls, almost like the house was trying to become a part of the forest itself. Behind it, there was a collection of buildings, including a cute stable, all of them creating this little haven in the middle of the wilderness.

When I finally made it to the porch, the chimp in green was there to greet me. "Welcome to the Monkey Village," she said, her voice grand, as if she was welcoming someone far more important than just me, a weary traveler.

"Gran gran built it ages ago," I heard her say, drawing me in closer. Her hand reached out, spots like tiny rivers crisscrossing her white fur, a map of life etched so finely. "Come on," she urged, "your friend will be taken care of."

The sisters were odd, sure, but not scary. So, I followed, stepping into their world. Inside, the floors were oak, light and warm, the walls dressed in wallpapers that told stories in their banana patterns. We wandered through rooms draped in rich fabrics, each adorned with portraits of chimps from other eras, all dressed up in armor or gowns. Despite the apparent years, everything remained vibrant, untouched by time or the sun.

In the corridor, there was this chair, its back carved into a tree, branches and roots twisting into armrests and legs. It was like no surface was left plain, everything touched by art. And a red velvet cushion, just sitting there, inviting.

As we moved, fires flickered in every hearth, their cheerful glow chasing away the dampness that clung to me, wrapping me instead in a growing warmth.

"You were drawn you a bath," the plump chimp says, bustling about like she owns the place—which she sort of does. "Oh, if you meet that old monkey, don't you mind him, hell moan about the mud you've trailed in, but it's alright. Grumbling's his favorite pastime. Right, Lady Yuki?"

Lady Yuki, who's as thin as a reed and just as sharp, nods. "Every year, the mud gets to him. But we make do. It's not like we don't have any help."

She stops in front of a door, pausing dramatically. "After your bath, we've got pajamas and a robe for you. And don't you worry, dear. They will handle your dirty clothes."

They lead me into this room with a big fireplace and a window that looks out into the garden. Sunlight dances through the glass, painting the floor with blues and greens.

There's this brass hip bath in the middle of the room, steaming and inviting. It's no fancy porcelain tub like back at my parents place, but right now, it looks like paradise.

Lady Yuki pointed her cane at the bath. "Take your time, unwind. You look like you could collapse any second."

Then they leave, shutting the door behind them. I hear the plump lady's voice drifting back, something about their manners getting better over the years.

Alone, I quickly shed my muddy attire, welcoming the contrast of the warm bathwater against my skin. The mint leaves floating around me were soothing, their aroma a balm to my weary soul. As I lay there, letting the heat seep into my tired muscles, I found myself drifting off, the worries and grime of my journey washing away.

When I awoke, time seemed to have stood still, yet my clothes were gone, replaced with a voile pajamas, robe, and the softest slippers. They had even left a comb on the table - a small but thoughtful gesture.

Half reluctant, I got out my bath, dried myself with their heated towels and slipped into my confy clothes. The minty scent clinging to me like a cozy blanket. I picked the comb of the table and went to the front of the mirror.

Staring back at me was someone I couldn't recognize. Long, tousled blonde hair that fell just right, eyes like endless blue skies, skin pale and flawless. Objectively, I knew I looked better, more attractive. My movements had an unfamiliar grace, and my once unkempt appearance now seemed effortlessly stylish, like I'd just rolled out of bed. Someone else's bed.

But none of that mattered when I looked into the mirror. I didn't see the allure or the charm. All I saw was a stranger. The porcelain-like perfection of my skin felt unsettling, the defined angles of my face were alien. I longed for my brown hair, my black eyes, my olive skin - even my old glasses seemed like a lost piece of home.

It was a strange, hollow felling, to look at a mirror and not recognize the one looking back at you.

I started combing my hair, and as if on cue, he entered the room.

I noticed him the moment he stepped into the room, well, it would be impossible not to. His heavy footsteps would been heard even if I was half-death. I turned to him and my first taught was - isn't that the third Hokage's stick guy?

The monkey walked towards me.

He was tall, well, more tall than my sixteen year old self. His broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. His military armor was impeccable, a blend of burnt yellow and black, gold accents tracing its edges, catching the light every now and them. Age hadn't dulled his vitality; at old monkey age, he moved with a purpose that belied his years. His long hair and beard were now a clear distinguished white.

But it was his eyes, twinkling with amusement, that kept me from stepping back. I stood there, caught in his gaze, feeling transparent, like he could see right through me. Maybe it was something about my eyes, or my expression. I saw a flicker in his eyes – recognition, or maybe doubt. It was hard to tell, but I knew I stood out to him somehow.

I smiled, finally something I knew how to do.

I bowed, my voice steady, ready to sell whatever story I wish. "Greetings, monkey king Enma. I am Inoshiro. Lady Yuki has extended your hospitality, I hope my acceptance hasn't imposed anything."

He tipped his head in recognition.

"A pleasure to meet you… Inoshiro, right? And your last name?"

"Yamanaka, you highness. But Inoshiro will do just fine," I could feel the simplicity of my words hanging in the air.

He seemed to struggle with them, but didn't press anything.

"Well, if my nieces sees fit to welcome you here, then you must belong. Sorry to intrude, but I couldn't help overhearing the servants talking. You're a sword carrier?"

I furrowed with the non-sequeter.

"Yes, your highness".

"Do you know your way around them?"

"Yes, your highness. I like to think I know my way around every weapon I carry" I assured him, although I wasn't entirely sure of that yet.

"All three of them?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"If I couldn't handle them, they wouldn't be mine" I lied confidently.

He grunted. "Prefer up close and personal, do you?"

I considered his words – how the fuck should I answer that?

"I'm a fighter, sure. But I like to keep some distance between me and trouble"

"I see. Are you on the middle of a mission?" He sounded a bit wary.

"Not exactly, but also, yes" I clarified

"Is that right?" He seemed more intrigued now. "I'll have to hear about this later. For now, I've got nieces to greet. We'll talk more at tea, Inoshiro Yamanaka"

With that, he was off, and I went back to what I was doing, thoughts still racing. It wasn't to much later that I heard a knock on the door..

"Child, are you ready for tea?", Lady Yuki asked.

I cracked the door open, smiling. "All set, ma'am."

"Wonderful. Momo is waiting in the parlor."

Momo?

Lady Yuki, leaning on her cane, ushered me into the most stunning room. The sunlight filtered through delicate paper screens, casting soft patterns on the straw mat flooring. Everything felt intentional, from the low wooden table to the minimalistic floral arrangement in the corner, a single blossom leaning towards the light. The air held a hint of incense, subtle yet grounding. I felt my shoulders relax, my breaths deepening.

Momo, who I assumed was the plump one, brought in a silver tea service. "We save this for our honored guests," she announced. "Not many of those these days. Enjoy your bath?"

"Quite well." I blurted, and smiled, it felt right, in this rich, elegant house.

I looked at the things on the table and almost stopped, they were very pretty.

The first was a sweet, pale pink, leaf-wrapped parcel of rice. Next, there were skewered balls, their surfaces smooth and glistening, dyed in soft shades of green and pink. A small bowl cradled a savory egg custard, its surface a calm, golden pool – tiny, tender morsels of shrimps (I think) and, probably, vegetables peeking through its surface. Next was tempura, I knew that: crisp, feather-light bites of shrimp and vegetables, coated in gossamer batter – It was artfully arranged too, on a ceramic plate, accompanied by a clear, fragrant dip. Two full plates of Onigiri, (more rice, I guess).

An assortment of pickled vegetables, their colors ranging from deep purple to bright green, it was very pretty. Well, everything was very pretty.

As Momo served green tea, she chatted about weather and gardens. I nodded along, of course. Although, in the back mind, i was wandering what was this thing I was drinking. It was certainly green tea, but it wasn't like… Green Tea. Wtf was that thought?

Anyway, I went on, trying my best to eat and drink politely, which, let me tell you, after almost a month on the road, was like learning how to be human again. Especially with how good everything tasted. But I forced myself to stop, to think of something engaging to say.

"Lady Yuki".

"What is it, dear?" she asked, while pouring fourth cup of tea for the empty dude if the table.

"This place," I found myself saying, "what is it exactly?"

I almost cringed at my own question. Smooth move, genius.

Lady Yuki tapped her cane on the table, sending a shiver through the tea set. "Momo! Did we forget introductions?"

Momo looked crestfallen. "Oh, we were so eager to please that we forgot. It's been ages since we had guests. Can you forgive us, dear?"

I was too startled to respond, and they mistook my silence for forgiveness. With relieved sighs, they started over.

"Well, then," Lady Yuki said with a hint of formality, "let us introduce ourselves properly. We are the sisters, the hostesses of the Tree House. I am Yuki, and this is my sister, Momo."

"Well, then," Lady Yuki said, "let us introduce ourselves properly. We are the sisters, hostesses of the Tree House. I am Yuki, and this is my sister, Momo."

Okay…

"Our grandfather, Professor Mango, built this manor in the woods. He said it was the only way to absorb nature's power and bring true monkery to the world."

Lady Yuki carefully smoothed out a crease in her linen napkin, her movements deliberate and graceful. "Our grandfather, when he built this place, he wanted it to be a sanctuary for Gran Gran. A respectable estate. So he brought everything from our old home at the Monkey Academy – even the household staff."

"The Monkey Academy?" I echoed, thinking I must've heard wrong.

"Yes, dear, in the Hidden Peel Village. Ever been there?"

I just… shook my head.

Lady Yuki nodded, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "Our grandfather was a man of many talents. He wore a white uniform, you know, with a master's badge. It was quite unique. He studied disciplines that were long forgotten, some even frowned upon."

Lady Momo leaned forward. "Senjutsu," she whispered.

Lady Yuki shot her a look. "Who's telling the story, Momo?"

Momo pouted, sinking back into her chair.

Lady Yuki continued, her voice now taking a more serious tone. "Grandfather delved deep into Senjutusu, spending years in the human archives. He learned the history of chakra, then its application. But this made the emperor nervous, especially after the first Shinobi war. People feared senjutsu, you see, afraid it might bring back the likes of Sasuke Sarutobi."

Who?

"The emperor gave grandfather an ultimatum: abandon his pursuits or leave the academy. But as you can see," she gestured around, "he chose to leave."

"Best decision he ever made", said King Enma entering the room.