Red Riot - Chapter 43.5 - Red eyes

Hanahime knelt the instant she was before the Mizukage. 

Matsu stood.

For a heartbeat, no one moved, then Matsu’s lips twitched? 

Or had she imagined it? 

Only after a pronounced pause did he kneel.

The Mizukage narrowed his eyes and sniffed only to wave his hand.

Hanahime felt her heart resume beating. 

Did Matsu have a death wish? Didn’t he recall the first time they’d met the Mizukage?”

Hanahime gaped at him, but he gave her nothing. His expressionless mask made it so difficult to tell what was going through his mind .

He’d grown more skilled at that. He knew when to drop it and when to lock it into place.

Before, it had been flickers that let you know how he was feeling. His eyes still held a glint of intensity to them, however, as he locked eyes with the Mizukage.

Hanahime felt her heart lurch once more.

“Jonin Matsu and Genin Hanahime reporting a successful mission completion but with complications,” Matsu stated.

“Go ahead,” the Mizukage said dismissively, eyes bored even as he scanned another report.

Hanahime saw nothing of the supposed injury that he’d garnered during his battle with the Tsuchikage, despite the intelligence being sound.

Which was mildly horrifying to consider.

Matsu relayed the mission verbally while the mission scroll that he’d ordered her to complete on their way back rested in Gengetsu’s hands. 

“You judged Hanahime to be capable enough to stand with you?” the Mizukage asked.

“She has the skills to handle a Genin from Konoha, if it had been required. It turned out it was as later into the mission, during a… tense moment, I used her skills to both descalate and force Konoha into action,” Matsu stated.

“Hmmm,” the Mizukage’s eyes flitted over Hanahime. “I suppose Terumi are useful occasionally.” 

Hanahime didn’t react, knowing how the Mizukage was, she’d allowed herself to be fooled during the academy graduation, with how swept up in success she’d been, but since then, she’d grown more cautious.

Sometimes, to the detriment of her performance, but with the Mizukage, it was best to err on the side of caution.

“She’s actually been a model student,” Matsu replied without missing a beat.

Hanahime felt her heart lurch in two directions at once as pride warred with dread.

“Hmmm, a model student,” mocked the Mizukage. “She’ll need to do more than that to earn praise from me.” He tapped the scroll. “I see she failed to defeat two of their Genin.” He shook his head lightly.

“As I said, she helped achieve the objectives,” Matsu stated once more. “But, I’m more worried about how Konoha has teams operating in the Land of Wolf.”

“That is something that is being closely investigated,” the Mizukage informed them. “It is not being taken lightly. We cannot tip our hand, however, and make our resposne too heavy.”

“Of course,” Matsu replied. “There is also a strong chance to spread a less complimentary view of Konoha. The people that we ‘saved’ from servitude in the bandit camp will spread tales of the wild beasts that terrified them, but it could be spread further.”

“Hmph, don’t tell the intel department how to do their jobs, Jonin,” the Mizukage reprimanded before huffing. “But that note will be passed along and can be the work of a… Mudanin team or two.”

The Leader of Kirigakure shook his head. “We’ve got enough of them starting to sprout up, along with a host of willing chunin to take them on.” He gave Matsu another annoyed look, only for it to be met without concern.

Hanahime noted the comment as something she’d follow up on when she returned to her clan’s compound.

“Your genin my go Jonin, we have much more to discuss on your other projects,” The Mizukage ordered. 

Hanahime bowed and exited quickly, not wanting to remain in the room with that old monster. For all that it was good that Kori Yuki's bid for the Mizukage’s office hadn’t succeeded, she still wished Gengetsu Hozuki had died.

As the door swung shut, Hanahime caught sight of Matsu standing. “Need me to—” the rest of the conversation was cut off as soon as the door closed.

Not wanting to linger at the door like a child attempting to eavesdrop on her parents, Hanahime got out of the building quickly and got home as fast as she could.

When she landed at the front of her family compound, she was greeted by the guards with warm nods. 

“Your father is waiting in his office,” she was told by a servant within moments of entering the house. Having expected this, she didn’t need to divert and instead marched down the long halls, encountering her family, who nodded.

Pausing before her father’s rooms, she drew herself up, took a breath. She pulsed her chakra as she’d been taught.

Unlike other times when father had been entertaining guests or giving missions to her family members, the door swung open immediately. 

“Enter,” called her father from behind his desk. 

Hanahime marched in and stood before him. “Sir! I have returned from a mission and will be returning to the Medic training facility late tomorrow!”

“Yes, I’m aware,” her father, Chamberlain of Kirigakure, stated.  “Report on your findings.”

Hanahime nodded, making sure not to kneel our slouch as she gave off a litany of observations. Her father listened quietly to it all before asking further questions. 

“The Karatachi? They were initially reluctant to help, but then fell in line? What of Matsu’s original student? Has she been assisting you at all?”

“No, she has not made any contact.”

“Hmmm, do not count on the other trainees. They are falling into old habits and will likely become traps to be used against you or spies,” Father stated calmly before moving on.  

He observed her for a moment. “Have you investigated all of the buildings you were shown on the first day? What of the building crew? You need to be aware of your surroundings. Do not simply dismiss the civilians that wander through that facility. They were either cleared or Matsu has a blind spot. Discover it.”

“I will,” Hanahime replied earnestly.

“Anything you’re less certain of?” he asked, and Hanahime knew that the debrief was about to close.

She knew better than to hesitate here, but still she wet her lips before speaking. Her father’s eyes narrowe,d and she spoke before he could assign a punishment.

“I believe Matsu is not actually conducting the lectures and training sessions in person!” 

“Hmmm? What is he doing?”

“I’m not sure what he himself is doing, but I suspect he is using some type of clone.”

Hanahime shook her head. “ But I can’t be certain. It’s not a water clone as I have seen him using various elementary ninjutsu during the spars, but during the initial sprint towards the base a group of ANBu escorted us only to disappear in a plume of smoke. I’ve also heard the others think that this wasn’t merely speed but a proper vanishing act. I think it might be a clone dispelling rather than a lack of awareness.”

“It might still be,” Father said, reminding her not to be lazy.

She nodded dutifully, and he considered her. “Still that is interesting. Gengetsu has been… more free of late. I suspect he acquired the jutsu during the recent chunin exams, as this is not a capability that Matsu or Gengetsu demonstrated prior to then. The true extent of this new clone jutsu is something we will need to investigate, see what you can learn.”

“Yes!” she replied. 

He turned his gaze away from her as he began organising the notes he’d made from her report. “You are to continue training with the medics. It seems to fit your temperament.”

“Sir?” she asked. 

“The role we had been considering you for is no longer a good fit for you.”

“Have I failed?” she asked worriedly only for him to shake his head.

“No, we have… options now. Two of your cousins, against all odds, have been successful in their long-term seduction missions. Early testing on the infants is promising. We suspect that they will have dual Kekkei Genkai.”

Hanahime inhaled sharply. “That is wonderful news Father!” she said, only for him to give her a sharp look and her to cringe away. He never liked her referring to him that way when she was ‘acting for the clan’. 

The issue was that when around him, you were always expected to be acting for the clan.

“You will no longer be the vessel, do you understand Hanahime? We will choose one of them and make the arrangements. The Clan has decided that another role might better fit you.”

She waited, making sure not to twitch as her father observed her. “You are to rekindle your… acquaintance with Matsu. If you can make it more then do so,” he ordered calmly.

Hanahime blinked. 

Oh.

She nodded. “Very well.”

He waved a hand. “Going forward, I suggest you put your all into becoming one of the best medics you can be. Rise high in that role. It is not well established but has potential, and should certain steps be taken, you might be in a position of power one day.”

Hanahime understood the various implications for their allies and those of Matsu.

She could, if the situation called for it become a dagger at their sides, or a different kind of vessel. 

“Until then, investigate everything about the base. Upon your next complete mission, I want you to draw a complete map of the facilities.”

“Sir!” she barked as she was dismissed. 

With her mission seen to for the moment, she left to catch up with her clan. It sounded like she had some new cousins whom she owed a warm greeting.

________________

Han groaned into the table. “I just don’t get it sensei! I’m not a good fit for teaching kids! I’m barely older than some of the brats I’m supposed to be guiding! The cocky bastards know it too and are constantly trying to get one over on me!” 

“You have a lot to offer students at the Academy Han. You’ve struggled in a lot of different ways and had to develop different methods than most. Also, you’ve been in the field more recently than many of the instructors,” Matsu pointed out as he accepted two bowls of soba noodles from the chef.

“I know,” Han sat up and sighed as he cracked the chopsticks and clapped his hand together. “Thanks for the food!” he called before digging in.

For a little while, they just ate, and Han had to admit it was damn nice just getting to relax and spend time with his sensei like this.

“It’s not like I’m not trying, you know?” he said after a while. 

Matsu glanced up from his bowl to show that he was listening even as he took a big bite. “I try finding ways to teach that, and the other teachers kick the lesson out from under me.”

“Hmmm, is that so?” Matsu replied after swallowing.

“Yeah, I think they’re hazing me,” Han replied.

“Well, that’s not gonna fly,” Matsu muttered. 

For a long moment, there was a silence, and both ate, only for Matsu to finally speak up. “Have you tried taking them out the back, explaining your plan, and when they reject your idea, you beat the shit out of them?”

“...” Han stared at his sensei. “Am… Am I allowed to do that?”

Matsu shrugged. “Eh, it’s kiri. They’ll probably like you better for standing up for yourself. That’s the quick way of doing it, but I’d make sure Principal Tenpora knows what you’re doing first, and that he doesn’t have an issue.”

“Huh, thanks, I knew talking to you about this would help me out!” he declared.

“Hmm, you’re still paying for the food,” Matsu said, his hand latching onto Han’s shoulder before he could get away. Matsu raised his other hand to the chef. “Another please.”

“Eh?” Han gaped, staring at the already empty bowl. “How?”

“Skill,” Matsu replied as another was deposited. “Now let’s talk about some other ideas that might be worth pursuing. How are you weeding out those who want to excel?”

“Ummm, watching their results?” 

“Hmmm that’s one way, but I thought of a trick to help encourage it on a slightly larger scale,” Matsu murmured.

Han brought out his notepad and prepared to write down the suggestions.

Matsu chuckled. “So the first idea involves creating a rumour that you’re going to run an Elite training camp for the best in the cohort. Let that spread around and keep it on the down low. Then don’t invite anyone. Let people stew for a day or two, if no one takes the initiative to ask for entry, gets their clan contacts involved, or even just tries to sneak in, you can let a rumour that one of the worst students got in. That’ll get them thinking about it and curious.”

“That’s… devious,” Han said.

“Yup, it should help inspire curiosity in them as well as make them seek out chances to grow stronger. Often the framework is already there, but students are squandering either the time or chances of talking with older, more experienced shinobi.”

Matsu gave Han a pointed look. “You’re already doing that somewhat with me, but have you thought of also asking those same Instructors or the Principal for training in teaching or other skills?” 

Han blinked and felt like his head had just exploded. 

“Woooooah,” he murmured.

Matsu laughed, and a moment later, Han did as well. Matsu had some other good ideas and when they were done Han asked after Kuroiwa.

“Oh, she’s doing great. I think she’ll be enjoying her current assignment,” Matsu said. 

Han nodded, just knowing that she was probably doing great.

_______________

Kuroiwa happily counted the stack of coins, giggling to herself. Around the room, her students all groaned in defeat.

Heh, that’d teach them to try and play cards and not invite her!

“I expect to be invited next week!” she declared as she swept her winnings off the table. “If I learn you’re running this without me or trying to get out of it…. I’ll never teach you how I cheated.”

That got a round of squawks as she vanished into the night, cackling to herself.

Being a teacher was great!

She was making money hand over fist. Now she just needed to find a way to fleece the civilians without pissing them off.

_________________

Han sighed in relief as Matsu finished his bowl of noodles, only to stiffen as another person slipped in next to them.

“Yo! Matsu, good to see you! Been a while!” declared a short, wiry-looking ninja in nondescript clothing. Han couldn’t see any clan emblems but nor did he have any rank signs. Oh, wait, that meant this kid was ANBU?

“Shoto,” Matsu replied with a nod. “Grab a bite to eat with us. Han is paying.”

Han stared at Matsu only for his sensei to smile at him. “In return, I’m sure you could ask a few questions. Learn a thing or two,” he suggested.

Han grumbled. “Why do some lessons have to be so expensive?”

Matsu just smiled. “Helps them stick,” he replied, which got a chuckle from Shoto while Han began to mourn the state of his wallet.

Hopefully, no one else would—

“Matsu! Fight me!” growled Himeko Kaguya as she stormed into the shop.

Matsu, rather than standing, winked at Han. “Another bowl for the lady!” he called, stalling Himeko

Han began to whimper.

________________

Smoke filtered through the vent above the desk. Behind it, shadowed by the large hat that signified his office, the hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi observed the kneeling trio.

“Four of you left for the Land of Wolves,” he remarked as he took a long, slow draw on his pipe. “Yours is not the only team that is returning at their full compliment, but I need to hear it anyway. Tell me what happened.”

Maka began, detailing the early slew of missions that they’d been able to run, escorting merchants and establishing a few contacts in some of the markets that would filter information towards Konoha for the analysts to examine.

Maka knew that unusual activity would be flagged and investigated, but beyond that, she had no idea how they filtered through the information to achieve true awareness of the world, especially one that relied on intel that could take weeks if not months to arrive.

Still, the higher-ups had deemed it necessary, so Maka wasn’t about to complain about what should have been several easy C rank missions at most.

They had sent five other teams, like hers, quietly sent into Wolf with some Genin who were tapped as potential chunin for the next exams.

Plans were wonderful things, except they didn’t survive contact with the enemy, and the eastern continent was very much Kiri’s backyard. This had resulted in there being two ANBU teams rotating around to clean up any encounters.

It was just her bad luck that another team had run into a Kaguya hit squad returning to Kiri and required reinforcements prior to her encounter with Matsu Uzumaki and the Terumi girl.

Maka kept her head down as she recited how things had played out. 

When she was done, silence met her. 

She worked her jaw. “I take full responsibility for what happened,” she said.

The Hokage took a long pull of his pipe before exhaling a sigh that pressed his disappointment down on her.

“As you should. You are their Jonin sensei Maka,” he declared.

“It is your prerogative to attempt higher-ranked missions. In hindsight, Kiri’s interference in your mission was actually nonexistent but it did force you to adapt a different method than you otherwise would have for your… encounter with Missing Nin Toro…” 

He paused and shook his head. “I am forced to agree that leaving Matsu alone with Toro might have been dangerous for the Inuzuka and, therefore, Konoha. We would not wish to have operational secrets shared with Kiri, or indeed, other options to present themselves to Toro.”

The Hokage looked down at Maka. “You did the best you could with the situation as it presented itself. Sadly, in this case, you and your team have fallen short. Now one of your Genin has paid the price.”

“The Kurama Clan head will, of course, be informed, and the Inuzuka clan, due to this being your mistake, will need to support them, I imagine. I would suggest joint training exercises. Uroko was betrothed to the current heir. This is quite the setback for them.”

The team all flinched at this news. Kira and Sumire shared a look, having not known about the betrothal. 

Maka bobbed her head. “Of course, I will offer what aid I can.” A suggestion from the Hokage, after all, was as good as a command to any loyal shinobi 

“You will also be the one to tell her parents,” stated the Hokage firmly. 

Maka clenched her hands. “... yes,” she said. 

“You will also be spending some time with Intelligence. They will work through the mission with you, along with detailing any further information that you might have overlooked.”

Maka frowned. “That’s not standard procedure.”

The Hokage nodded. “That is because we have tipped Matsu Uzumaki as one to watch. The more intel we have on him, the better.”

_________________

A.N. Thanks go to my patreons for your continued support!

It’s a short interlude I know, I didn’t feel a need to include it in a normal-length chapter, however, as I want more meat with those.