Wildflower Book 1 | Naruto Fanfiction

Chapter51: The Shrine

"I see you've brought one of your fire breathers with you.", a displeased voice said from atop the very first of the shrine's Torii(gates). In the dark shadows cast by the uncannily tall trees overhead, it was difficult to make out just what they were dealing with. Shisui was immediately on high alert, seeing as he was the fire breather that was being referred to.

"Forgive me, Suitatsumi, Shisui-san has no one but me to look to.", Tama said. Shisui looked at her, surprised.

The creature stretched out its long, body to loom over them. There was a low growl that scared the girls and caused them to cling to Tama.

"You seek to house your family's killer?", Suitatsumi asked as it brought its slender, clawed hand to land before the girl. It scratched the ground as it continued to loom over the path, blocking them from moving further.

"I seek to provide refuge for all those who are vulnerable. I may make use of him as well. Perhaps he might redeem himself during that time.", Tama said, causing Suitatsumi to laugh rather lowly.

"Sweet child, and what of the prince?", it asked, sounding genuinly concerned. "Does he not deserve the same considering the fact that he was also acting out of love?"

Tama pursed her lips. Of course Itachi would be dragged into this. Suitatsumi's boldness really knew no bounds. Tama simply simply smiled a small smile and looked at the being.

"Barely fourteen when both drew such massive blood, and were forced to let everything they loved go. Their names, once cited with awe and reverence, became the reason that they wished to leave this world once and for all. Once hailed heroes, now shunned as villans. Both suffer the consequences of the lack of companionship between those who should have protected them. Both suffer, and yet you choose only one to keep by your side?", Suitatsumi said. Tama cast Shisui a glance and found that he was rather lost in contemplation.

"The difference between the two of them is that my brother seeks to further contribute to this world on his own, even if he is viewed as a villain. My friend here had been hoping to die for a very long time. I won't stop my brother from digging himself a grave, but perhaps when he's done and needs someone to cover him, I may help him obtain another chance at life.", Tama explained before nodding rather deeply at Suitatsumi. The Sage dragon the revealed itself and surveyed the group with keen interest.

"You speak in backwards ridles, Descendant of Uzumaki Mika. Do you seek to avenge you clan, or to save your friend and brothers from their accursed fate? Or do you rather seek to protect your village.", Suitatsumi asked, its face barely touching Tama's as it finally landed before her. Tama smiled and allowed their noses to touch. Suitatsumi recoiled, surprised. Tama chuckled

"I'll do anything that's possible to save them all and avenge my family. I refuse to have to choose. As for the village, it's not mine to protect.", she declared. Suitatsumi nodded in understanding from atop his perch on the gate once again.

"Very well then, you've grown wiser, child. All of you wash your hands with the water from that pond there, so that that you may be clean as you enter. You may all go in.", it said, and they wasted not a second.

As began their ascent along the long flight of stairs, Shisui breathed a sigh of relief and finally brought himself to look at Tama.

"What was that?", he finally asked, causing everyone to look at him. Akira and Karin looked up at Tama expectantly.

"A Tatsu, I think.", she said, as if it wasn't the most uncanny thing in the world. You didn't just come across a wani. That being was clearly a top grade chakra being, perhaps even going so far as to be a chakra summons. "Though, oftentimes Suitatsumi comes in the form of a Koi fish. It must feel especially protective of its territory today."
(Tatsu - dragon/sea creature)