Chapter 5

Tenshi was left alone sitting on the grass next to the waterfall. Already dressed in baggy black long pants and a white shirt. He was looking at the water.

He knew and saw a lot. Despite the enormous protection, he would travel to other villages on the Isle of Angels from time to time. Most often he was accompanied by his aunt or uncle when he was not on a mission. However, he never thought about what his life would be like if he were not responsible for the people of the Angels.

Now, however, such questions took over his mind, and although he knew that Gūdian was sitting on a branch a few trees away, he decided to talk to Kitsu. It always calmed him down.

He appeared in a well-known room in front of a red-haired man with glasses, who was looking at a book.

- How did it get into your hands? The red-eyed man said, picking up the volume.

All books, except Tamashi no Hon, which were here, appeared by prior flicking, more or less precisely, by the blonde. When he noticed what the fox demon was holding, he immediately blushed, looking away.

- I found it in my uncle's collection,- he began and sat up, still staring at the floor. - At first I thought it was a book about friendship and I checked it out of curiosity.

- How is it possible that I don't know about it?- - he asks, he put the volume on the table and walked over to the blonde, laughing.

- You were asleep,- he said indignantly, finally staring at the handsome figure in front of him. - I put it down as soon as I realized what was going on.

- A few more years,- he whispered, kneeling beside him. - But more importantly, what's bothering you?- He asked and put his hands in his lap.

- The worst part is, I just don't know.

- And I think you know perfectly well. But you don't want to admit it, he said, and stood up. - Tenshi, you are still a child. A wise and mature, but still twelve years old. Carrying so many things on these little shoulders… - He placed his hands on them. - It's exhausting for you.

When he finished speaking, the blonde pressed his face to the red-eyed belly.

- Kitsu ...- he whispered. - I want to get it over with. This is both the best and the worst time I've been through, - he added, and looked down at him.

- I know, fox. I know. I'm really proud of you. If all goes well, I will be with you this year, helping you with every step in the outside world.

The next day, Tenshi was the first to wake up. So he changed his kimono clothes and put the tent away.

They left shortly after that. Before that, however, they had eaten the provisions taken from Jihi. They traveled this way for several days, running all day and putting up tents at night to rest. Eventually they reached a small port town on the border of the Land of Peace.

- We're almost there,- Jinsei announced, pointing to a remote island. - Let's go ask about the boat.

All eight headed towards the wooden building. Inside, behind the counter, sat a young girl with red hair and yellow eyes. She was reading the book, ignoring the two children running around the couch. Instead, a much older man with bloody hair came down the stairs.

- Tamori, you were supposed to take a look at Torimo and Akane!- He shouted, noticing that his older child was immersed in another activity. - Tamori-chan, am I hallucinating ?!- He asked, noticing the group.

The girl looked up bored. But when her gaze met the beautiful blue, she stood up.

- Tenshi-dono, it is an honor to welcome you and your companions in our humble thresholds - the redhead greeted and approached them, bowing slightly. - My name is Akashi Moeruaka,- he introduced himself. - And these are my children.

- Nice to meet you,- he said, and smiled gently as he swallowed the lump in his throat. Even more names.

- How can we help you? He asked.

- We need a boat,- Jinsei replied, glancing confusedly as he has the scene in front of him.

He still couldn't get used to the fact that a member of his team was important enough to be treated that way in different places.

- But ...- The man looked confused at the long-haired man.

- She's on the other side,- he explained, knowing what Moeruaka was all about.

- So, how did you get here? He scratched his neck. - If, of course, I can ask.

- Chakra control,- he said shortly, as if it were an obvious fact.

- What chakra control Jinsei-sensei? Baru asked.

Blue-eyed looked at her with confusion in his eyes. Did the 12-year-old girl who graduated from the Academy and is now a genin really clueless about such a basic skill as walking in trees or water?

- With good chakra control, you can climb without using your hands, and even walk on water,- the mentioned replied. - We'll be learning it soon, but more importantly, is there a free boat?-

- Unfortunately, a moment ago we rented the last one. If that's not a problem, you can stay at our hotel, and you will leave in the morning tomorrow - Tamori said shyly.

- We have no other choice,- Kunihiko said. The green haired man looked at Hana. - Miss, she doesn't have enough chakra control to embark on a journey through the water that can take several hours. Anyway, from what I understand the same to you two, he added and looked at Barui Shēdo.

- Please, then report us,- Kōji said.

- Of course.

After discussing the formalities, they headed to their rooms. Two rooms next to each other, each for four guests. The people of Jihi, along with Tenshi, took one, and the other was chosen by a group from the Flower Village.

- I thought your clan was some kind of secret gathering, and you weren't allowed outside the village,- Shēdo said.

They were just sitting on the couch. Gūdian and Tenshi were eating their lunch, which they got from the owner's daughter half an hour ago. Baru and Kurayami had long since finished it, finally enjoying a warm, wholesome meal that they couldn't eat for five days due to lack of time.

- Why do you think so?

- I've never heard too much about you. Only some information about the Fourth and his wife or partner of the First Jihikage, but even then all I knew was that they were not from Jihiy.

- It's true that not often someone wants to leave the village.- There are more cases of requests to introduce a partner, but we never retain anyone. We only put a seal by which the memories of the road to Hanegakure are blocked. However, if someone wants to come back, all they have to do is send a letter to us from one of the Five Great Villages. In each of them there is at least one bird that knows the way. Then one of the shinobi shows up, helping to return to the Village of Angels.

- Then why do you hide your plight so much?- Are you so weak? - the black-haired man scoffed.

Jinsei choked on his food, setting the bowl aside and pulling off the Genjutsu he no longer needed. He had never heard of anyone dare to call Hanegakure a weak village. He didn't know how Tenshi would react, but Jinsei had heard several times about a situation where Tetsu Ao was breaking a contract with another nation just because she said she was the strongest in the world. Maybe the blonde's grandfather preferred to settle things in a rather peaceful way, but his nickname Shinobi God did not come out of nowhere. He had to talk to Kyarakuta later about Shēdo's behavior.

- Honestly, even I do not know it to the end - the blue-eyed laughed, shocking his sensei. - However, I believe that it is mostly about traditions, which are very important to us - he added, but kept silent about the strength of his native village.

- And if ...- The boy didn't finish because Jinsei interrupted him.

- Shēdo, stop it,- he cut sharply into his statement.

What is what, but knowing that Jihia was provided with Hanegakure's help in case of problems, helped people even in everyday life. The only reason he didn't want to change was because of the slightly overly self-confident twelve-year-old.

- But sensei ...

- End of discussion.

They spent the rest of the day in the room. Hana visited them several times and wanted to spend some time with Tenshi. Long-haired man, however, sat all the time reading a book about the history of the Second Shinobi War and did not care that it was the third time he remembered this news. History had always interested him, and being able to learn from the mistakes that led to such a great battle helped him piece together his thoughts in the most rational way possible.

The next day they were to leave in the morning. The blonde changed into loose, black pants and a thin, white turtleneck, and he put on black shinobi shoes. He tied his hair with a ribbon in the most makeshift ponytail, as long as it wasn't loose. He didn't like it, because he realized that his delicate beauty could make him pass for a really pretty girl at the time. After much thought, he realized how many things he didn't like. He even had the tiny thought in his head that he was terribly spoiled by his family. But he remembered the training sessions and weeks without sleep that had happened more than once, so he chased the thought away. It was just like that.

Downstairs they met half an hour after the blonde woke up. They had eaten their breakfast, and just as they were finished, another red-haired man walked into the dining room.

- This is my eldest son Kimau,- Akashi introduced him. - He will come with you.

A boy about twenty years old greeted them and led the group to the ship.

- We thought it would be a boat,- Jinsei said.

- A small boat might not hold us all,- he replied and smiled at him.

The ship was of medium size. It had several cabins where you could lie down. The journey, however, was not supposed to take more than three hours, so the group decided to spend this time on board. Kōji, Kunihiko, and Kamoru were sitting in the shadows, talking about something. Jinsei had a lively discussion with Kimau about the current activities of the Hidden Village in Blades, which fortunately had recently changed. Apparently only a few months after the death of the previous Kage, and the new leader tried to correct all the mistakes of her predecessor. Tenshi, along with Hana and the two genins, stood close to the railing, watching the departing Country of Fire and listening to Sakura's stories about Jihi, which in her opinion was an amazing place.

- Tenshi-dono, I heard that you will not be at this year's celebration - the pink-eyed voice said sadly. - You really won't find the time?

- Currently I live in Jihi, but as I said, my uncle will be able to perform the ritual.

- This time I was chosen to create the bouquet,- she announced proudly in her voice.

- Congratulations then.

- What's with this celebration? Baru asked.

Hana looked at the blonde, who made a gentle sign with his finger so that only the inhabitant of the Flower Village could see him and went to the teacher. The girl knew immediately what she had to do. To tell the truth, while hiding the most important fact, which is widely known in the Land of Angels and hidden beyond its borders.

- Every year a delegation from the Village of Angels comes to the Flower Village,- she began, choosing her words carefully. She didn't want to disappoint the boy she was infatuated with. - For the feast, representatives of the authorities from each village in the Land of Angels also gather to celebrate friendly relations with other creatures. Tenshi-dono is celebrating a bunch that is always done by another woman from my family ...

- Why him? Shēdo asked, interrupting the girl.

- Even though he is only the heir of Hanegakure, to the whole country the leader of the Village of Angels is what the Daimyō of the Land of Peace is to you. We don't have someone like that. The whirlpool is located more or less in the middle of the island and is a powerful village, so their representative always has the most to say about the situation of the whole island - she explained and gave him a nervous look. - It never bothered anyone, on the contrary, we are grateful, because thanks to this, even in the times of various wars, the battles did not reach our country.

- We're close, please prepare to disembark!- The redhead shouted.

They were actually approaching a gigantic island. Various ships and boats were already visible from afar, and the beach was filled with wooden buildings of all sizes and shapes, and even colors.

- Why are there so many people here? - I thought it was a small country,- asked Baru, a pink-eyed woman with whom she began to really get along. They had a lot in common, from an interest in clothes to an unrequited love they might have complained about.

- Chōju no Sato always attracts attention,- she laughed as she stepped out onto land. - Although in fact such a large gathering in one place is strange.

After a while, all eight of them said goodbye to the red-haired boy, who had left, returning home.

- I think that, contrary to expectations, we now have to be even more careful. Kōji was blinking his eyes unconsciously again, looking around the large crowd of people. - Tenshi-dono seems to have done the best thing by not wearing a kimono with clan marks today.

The blonde, despite a slight surprise, showed them the way to one of the huts.

- We should get information and eat. There is still a long way to the Flower Village. The closer to her, the more dangerous it can be.

He entered a building known to him. A white-haired woman immediately appeared in front of him. She discreetly looked around at the strangers around, but when she noticed that everyone was busy talking, she bowed to the blue-eyed man to say hello.

- Tenshi-dono, you shouldn't be here now,- she whispered. - Plus, where are Daisuke-kun and Ami-chan? She asked skeptically at the accompanying shinobi.

- What's going on Wakane-san?- The long-haired man nodded at the unknown ninja.

- First, let's go to a more secluded place.

They headed for a large back room with couches and armchairs. After everyone was seated, the woman spoke softly.

- Sorry I didn't introduce myself. My name is Wakane Iruka and I look after the boats on this side. - The words were addressed to the people of Jihi. - Nice to meet you. Finally, a smile adorned her solemn face. - As for the Tenshi-dono question, what always is,- she sighed. - Chōju no Sato.

- What's this Chōju no Sato? Irritated, Shēdo blushed slightly.

- It would be nice to have an explanation as well,- Hanayo said.

- It's nothing but Hanegakure. Due to the longevity of the Moeruaka clan, the village was once called Longevity Village, explained Tenshi. - A long time ago, however, this term was abandoned and was known only on the island and among the very trusted shinobi. Unfortunately, soon after I was born someone found the old legends of Hanegakure. But that doesn't change the fact that I don't know why such a large group has gathered here.

- Really. The searchers were always located in all directions, which made it difficult to meet anyone.

- So what's going on? Jinsei asked.

- Tetsu-dono made the announcement,- she said, so softly they barely heard her.

- Grandpa? However, what?

Anyone who tries to disturb the peace of the Angel Island will start a war with Hanegakure. No wonder they let go of the riches and - magic- of the Fall of Immortality.

- Wakane-san ...- The blonde approached her. - What happened? - He grabbed the hand of the old woman. - What like what, but he never had any problems with the Seekers.

- They've gotten too aggressive lately. - Her hands were shaking. - More than ten bodies were found all over the island.

Baru turned pale and grabbed the couch, trying not to pass out. Shēdo and Hana also looked like they were about to return their last meal.

- Ten?! The twelve-year-old shouted. - Name the villages,- he demanded.

- Village Hidden in Shells, Village of Flowers ... - At this, the four of them turned even paler. - Harvest Town. One has also appeared here. You have to be careful - she warned and looked at the shinobi. - And even more so, Tenshi-dono. All this crowd gathering here doesn't mean that any group isn't around yet.

- Relax. We'll handle it, Kamoru assured him and straightened his blue hair with his hand.

Soon after, they continued their journey. They decided to run this last stretch of road as quickly as possible, preferably before the night, which was just a few hours away. So they ran at an alarming pace, looking from side to side.

Shēdo looked at the calm, long-haired boy in front of him. Despite his initial - hate- , he now simply hated it. Seeing his composure, knowledge, and even skills, which he showed a few days ago in their first training, the black-haired man could say that in the future, indolence may turn into tolerance. Besides, he himself did not know why he reacted like that to the appearance of the blonde in Jihi. Probably because of his brother. Kyarakutā was the only one left and he was incredibly jealous of him.

He remembered today, when his clan had been attacked a few years ago. A group of mysterious people in masks ran with the sabers he had seen for the first time in his life. One of them was about to throw himself at the boy, but he was stopped by a mysterious blonde with long hair. After a while, leading him to his brother, who was hidden in a wooden house.

Looking back, Tenshi reminded the dark-eyed man who saved him. Same hair, same eye color. Only the features of the twelve-year-old were much more delicate, and the movements were more elegant and fluid.

Fair-haired, as if sensing his gaze, glanced back, smiling a little at the same time. As if the probable presence of the serial killer didn't matter.

- Don't worry, Shēdo-san,- he began and aligned his stride with him. - The guilty party will be punished accordingly. In addition, the Land of the Vortex has always been dangerous in this sense - he said. - That's why I'm so glad there is a Moeruakach seal that keeps people from knowing even more about Hanegakure.

- And the people who are dead? The black-haired man was indignant.

Ever since the tragedy, he was very irritated by the ease with which people spoke of death, which was common in the shinobi community.

- But I said that the guilty will pay for it. I will see to it myself, anyway, he said, and started to align with Gūdian.