Ralph walked a few steps behind Raizen as they walked through the empty streets, thinking. He didn’t have a clue why the Black Hands destroyed his place. Granted he didn’t have anything to hid, but it felt like an invasion of his privacy. He had thought about playing it off as wrong place kind of deal, but the summons had his name on it. They knew whose place it was. There had to be a reason behind it. He knew he didn’t do anything wrong in the last few weeks. At least, not big enough to draw the attention of Lord Bark’s personal guards.
He stretched at the side of his head. It was just a lot to unpack within a short amount of time. It would helped if he knew what to expect tomorrow when he turned himself and why he had to. He let out a sigh and looked up at the darkening sky. He hoped Sion was alright and had found a different place to stay for the night. He still didn’t know his brother in name only had disappear to after waking yesterday morning. Maybe Sion had found a follow Barkson to stay with until he was assigned another mission.
Ralph turned his attention to the road and noticed the dirt covered streets had transformed into the clobber streets that lined the wealthy neighborhoods of the village. Raizen had suggested they visited Lillian and Enzo before they headed to Raizen’s house. Ralph had agreed because he wanted to see how his teammates were doing.
Now, walking in the Noble district, Ralph felt the eyes of the locals as they walked by. They were the descendant of the Original Villagers who travel here from a far, far away island. They gave him the impression they thought they were better then the others who migrated to the village. Several of the women walked by on geta sandals and wearing kimonos of different colors and patterns seemed to turn up their noses as he walked by, but they showed some respect to Raizen when they turned their attention on him.
He knew the reason why. Raizen was well known and considered best dressed for his station. It was how the old money treated others, judging them on how they dressed. It was annoying. He sighed, trying his best to ignore their judgmental looks and hoped one day, they would come to regret, treating any of the Bark children with disrespect. He pushed his good hand into a pocket of his pants. He rolled his left shoulder, trying to find some relief from the extra weight of a case on his arm. He glanced up to see Raizen headed toward a gated compound and his teacher stopped in front of it before he raised a closed fist and knocked hard on the gate.
Almost immediately, a guard appeared on the other side of the gate and announced, “State your business.”
“We are here to see Miss Lillian Sakura,” Raizen stated, “I am Raizen Watanabe, her ninja instructor and this is her teammate, Ralph Barkson.” Raizen gestured at Ralph.
The guard nodded, “I will go see if she is accepting visitors.” He turned on his heel and walked away. Ralph stretched out his spiritual senses and knew there was another two guards standing on the other side of the gates, in the shadows. He raised an eyebrow at Raizen, who gave him a smirk.
“I thought the doctor said not to use your spiritual powers, yet,” Raizen muttered to Ralph.
Ralph looked sheepish and shrugged, saying “Habit.” There was a pause before he went on, “Besides, she said I had to limit my use of my powers. I don’t think using my spiritual powers to sense whose is nearby is really using my powers.”
Raizen chuckled.
“I forbid you!” an older female’s voice rang out, “You will go up to the Government Tower, first thing in the morning and put in a request to transfer team, young lady!”
Ralph’s back stiffen and he had the urge to step far to the side. He spotted Lillian walking through the courtyard with an older woman, from the similar appearance to Lillian, had to be her mother, hot on her heels. Raizen did stiffen at Ralph’s side. Ralph glanced up at his teacher and saw the man’s face was expressionless, however, his eyes slowly hardened into stones.
“No, I will not,” Lillian spun on her heel and stood nose to nose with her mother, “We both knew there would increased chances of injury when I chose the ninja path. I knew that when I went into the Academy, Mother.”
Ralph stared, wide eyed at the exchanged.
“I want to experience life before I have to get married and start popping out children,” Lillian argued, “This path would not only allow me that and would also allow me certain freedoms that you never had. I had to grow up, listening to you, complaining about how you were treated by both Merchants and Ninja because you chose a civilian life and decided to marry Father as soon as you both were old enough to sign the marriage papers. You made that choice. Allow me to make my own choices.”
Lillian’s mother’s eyes narrowed, “No. You are still a child by our clans’ laws until you are married and living under your husband’s roof. You still live under my roof. I will not loose you to some ill chosen mission that your teacher thinks you are skilled enough for when you are not.”
Ralph felt uncomfortable, listening to the conversation. This wasn’t the first time he had heard a mother and daughter butt heads over career choice. Those type of conversations happened at least twice a week over in his part of town. Of course, the career choice was usually between becoming a lady of the night, a thief, or marrying a merchant or a ninja.
Raizen didn’t say a word as he heard the conversation.
“Mother, I am no longer a child, by the Village’s laws,” Lillian argued, “I know I am your only daughter and I will always be. However, I am of the age where I can make my own choices. I chose to walk the Ninja Path - wherever it takes me.”
“She’s right, Rin, my love,” a man stepped out from the shadows, behind Lillian’s mother. The older woman on her heel and glared up at the man. “It is alright to worry about her. However, we both did a decent job raising her to be the woman she is blossoming into.”
“Natsu,” Rin’s voice took on a pleading tone, “I don’t want to lose my baby girl.”
“You won’t,” Natsu stated, “Her teacher, Raizen, is one of the best ninja instructors we have and we are lucky that he is teaching our flower how to be a ninja.”
“She wasn’t ready to face off the Luna Pack,” Rin protested, “None of the kids were, but they were forced to when their teachers decided they were ready for that mission.”
“It was supposed to be a seasonal clean up mission,” Lillian grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest. “Isn’t that, right, Sensei?”
Raizen’s deep voice rumbled through the air, “That is correct, Lillian.” He stepped forward, closer to the closed gated. “We had the permission of the Luna Pack to be there, cleaning up. However, they were under some sort of enchantment when they attacked us.” Rin sent him a death glare that Ralph was glad it was not aimed at him. He would have took off in the other direction if it had been at him. “They are cooperating with the Officials to get to the bottom of what happened to them and how to prevent it from happening again. I have no doubt the person responsible for what happen will be caught soon and will put to justice.”
Rin pressed her lips together for a long moment and nodded her head. “I still think you, Lillian, should have chosen a different path. There is nothing wrong about getting married within the next few months and start having a large family.”
“I know,” Lillian said, “I want to experience my youth and have some real world experience before I settle down. You know the law says I have to by 25. I still have a few years left before I do.”
“Not if Mr. Watanabe gets you killed, first,” Rin said. Raizen sent her a glare. Ralph blinked in surprise as he mentally register the words.
“RIN!” Natsu said in alarm.
“Mother,” Lillian yelped.
Ralph glanced between Lillian and her mother. There was so unresolved topics between them.
“Rin, please, get back in the house,” Natsu said, his tone turned hard and he glared at his wife, “We will be discussing this later, in private.”
Rin scoffed and she turned on her heel, storming into the house. Ralph turned his attention to Lillian and jumped as she winced when the front door slammed shut.
Natsu sighed, “Wives can be emotional creatures when they are displeased by something.”
“Do you realize, I am still standing here and I will be a wife, one day,” Lillian drawled, crossing her arms over her chest and giving him a stink eye.
“And hopefully, you will not act like your mother when raising your own children and realize once they reach a certain age, they have start making their own choices, rather you like it or not,” Natsu replied, returning the stink eye. “Anyway, I thank you, Mr. Watanabe, for coming by and checking up on my daughter. The Clan Doctor says she will be able to return to the field sometime next week.” He paused, looking over Ralph, “Though it will depend on how her teammates are healing as well.”
“Yes, it does,” Raizen agreed, “As right now, it will be a few weeks before we will be take on any missions. If we do anything during this time period, it will be training and going over the basics, perhaps learn a couple new techniques in case they are put in another position like that again.”
Natsu nodded. “Well, I need to back inside and speak with my wife about her actions. It is a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Watanabe, and you, young man?”
“Ralph Barkson, Mr. Sakura,” Ralph immediately introduced himself, hearing the question mark at the end of Natsu’s statement. He waited for Natsu’s reaction to his last name. He wasn’t disappointed as Natsu’s lips formed an O and he blinked before he studied Ralph a bit closer.
“I have been under the impression,” Natsu started, “There weren’t any Bark Children left. According to the reports given out to the Head of the Clans, all Bark children were adopted.”
Ralph gave him a grim smile before he replied, “Depends on what age and what career path they chose.”
“What do you mean?” Natsu asked, curiosity lacing his voice.
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“If there is any remain Bark Children in the orphanages, if they decide to chose the Ninja Path, they are usually required to leave the Orphanage as soon as they start Basic Training,” Ralph explained, “At least, it was that way at Mary’s Orphanage. They prefer us to go to the Merchant Class or enter the Police Force.”
“Mary’s Orphanage,” Natsu muttered with a thoughtful look in his eyes, “That’s over by the Grey District, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Sir,” Ralph replied.
“I think I will be suggesting an overview of that Orphanage to the Council,” Natsu commented, “With the children laws in effect, there shouldn’t be any children baring the Name of Bark within the last decade at least, maybe a little bit more.” He stared off into the distance, thinking. “Good night. Lillian, don’t stay here much longer. I’m sure Dinner will be ready in a few minutes and I know your mother’s attitude will not improved if you are late.”
“Yes, dad,” Lillian smiled. Natsu walked back to the house. She turned back to Raizen and Ralph, “Have you seen Enzo, yet?”
“No,” Raizen replied, “However, that will be our next stop.” He paused, looking back at the house. “I will come by next week to see if the Clan Doctor will allow you to have training for a week or two. Until then, read your clan scrolls and books to learn more about what kind of abilities your clan has to offer.”
“Yes, sir!” Lillian replied with a mocking salute.
~~~
Ralph sighed as he walked behind Raizen. He shifted his left arm, trying to get some comfort. It would appear his pain medicine worn off. He hoped he could get some sleep once he figured out where he wold be sleeping. His eyes flickered over to his teacher’s back. He had been invited to stay with Raizen and his wife, Keiko. He didn’t know if he was comfortable doing that or not. They had only known each other for about a week.
On the other hand, Ralph didn’t have many options. His apartment got raided by the Black Hands, a secretive ninja forced controlled and answering only to Lord Bark, and received a summons. He didn’t know why he got a Summons. The scroll didn’t give much details, other then he had been summoned, come willingly or be picked up. He already planned to turn himself in, despite not knowing the reason behind the request.
He shook his head. He will worry about that tomorrow. He looked around, noticing they were approaching an older section of the village. The houses had slowly faded into the forest. Vines crawled up on the sides of of the visible parts of the houses. He spotted through a few shuttered windows, fires flickering. He glanced up and saw a faint thin line of smoke, drifting through the tree branches.
It was amazing he really never noticed how the slowly things changed as you walked through it. The older homes were built with stealth in mind, resulting in many homes being built within a tree; in a tree’s branches; or close enough to a tree’s base where the tree just grew around it. The Tree Houses, as they were dubbed, were the first line of defense between an invading force and the rest of the village.
Ralph knew one important battle where the enemy had made it passed the hidden houses and were attacked in the middle of the night, changing the tide of a war in favor of the Bark Village. It was shortly after that, many homes were built hidden within the trees, for a couple of centuries before it fell out of favor, due to peaceful times. When war did threaten the village, the builders under the order of Lord Bark would start transforming the houses into tree like structures.
A loud banging sound echoed through the trees as Raizen and Ralph approached a tree dwelling. Heat radiated off the house in waves. A small pond sat nearby with a channel, leading toward the house. Two girl appeared, running from the far side of the house, dressed in simple pants and tunics. They were laughing, but stopped when Raizen and Ralph walked closer. They looked at each other before they rushed to the house.
“Mom, mom!” one of the girls cried, “We got guests!”
The leader of Team 17 stopped by the door and knocked on the door. Ralph stopped a few feet away, on Raizen’s right.
“Mom!” multiple voices joined the first girl’s voice, echoing through the house. “We got guests!”
“Alright,” an exasperated older woman’s voice shouted, “I head you the first time!”
It sounded like the woman was upstairs and was moving closer. “Annabelle! I need you go finish helping Enzo getting dressed!”
“Yes, mom,” a younger teenage’s voice rang out as the same time Enzo’s voice did, “Mo~om! I don’t need help getting - Ouch! Belle, that hurt!”
Ralph stared wide-eyed at the door. The house sounded chaotic. Feet pounded on the floor, running back and forth followed by the sound of childish laughter. It was different from the orphanage. This was what he had image what a home would be like - siblings aggravating, running around, helping and arguing with each other.
His chest tightened with longing. He hoped one day his house will be just as chaotic as this one. For a long moment he imaged, returning home from a long day during missions to see his wife in the kitchen cooking dinner, turning to him with a bright grin as their children - he would like more then 3 - running toward him, welcoming him back home after missing him all day. They would talk about their day. The children would argue back and forth over a random topic while he helped clean up after dinner, allowing his wife to relax before they would put the kids to bed and they would sit out on a porch, watching the stars.
The front door flew open, interrupting Ralph’s internal musings. A woman with gray streaked brown hair up in a bun and blazing blue eyes stood there, staring at Raizen. Her face was one of masked fury. She crossed her arms over her chest.
“What are you doing here, Raizen?” The woman demanded. The noise behind her quieted down. Ralph could see the other Smith children pause in whatever they were doing and slowly, silently inch toward the nearest seat. They stared at the woman with a mixture of fear and glee in their eyes. Ralph turned his attention back to the woman.
She stood there, waiting for an answer. She thought Raizen was taking too long to answer because she started to tap a foot.
“Mrs. Smith,” Raizen started, “We have come by to see how Enzo was doing.”
“He is fine,” Mrs. Smith snapped, glaring at Raizen. “He is resting. The doctor has ordered him not to take any missions for at least 4 weeks to allow his arm to heal naturally.”
“I’m glad he is on the mend,” Raizen started.
“Personally,” Mrs. Smith cut him off, “I can’t believe the Council allowed you to be a teacher, Raizen!” Ralph raised an eyebrow. She was acting like she knew Raizen on a personal level. “You were irresponsible while we were teenagers. You were irresponsible during your engagement to the Young Lady Isamu. And Yes! Before you dare -“ Mrs. Smith marched forward with her right index figure up, pointing at Raizen.
Ralph stepped to the side, trying to stay out of her range. He watched with wide eyes as Raizen didn’t back away and Mrs. Smith poked him in the chest.
“Before you dare to say anything else, Raizen Watanabe,” Mrs. Smith went on, “I hold you fully responsible for what happened to the Isamu Clan, all those years ago.” Her face, from what Ralph could see in the dimming light, “Just like, right, now, I am holding you fully accountable to what happened to my Enzo!” she panted. Raizen didn’t say anything.
Ralph sensed something off to his right. His eyes darted over and spotted one of the children, creeping back to the living room. The hammering sounds that should have came from the Forge were gone and walking through the house was a tall, beefy looking man. Ralph turned his attention back to Mrs. Smith.
“I nearly lost my eldest son because you were irresponsible, once again!” Mrs. Smith’s voice cracked. “You shouldn’t have took the Seasonal Cleaning Mission.”
“Mom,” Enzo’s voice rang out. Ralph’s eyes snapped back to the door frame. His teammate stood in the doorway with an arm in a sling. His eyes darted over Ralph and Raizen before he turned his gaze on his mother. “It was supposed to be a safe mission. We were still in the Village’s boundaries. Nobody expected the Luna Shifter Pack to attack.”
Mrs. Smith turned on her heel and sent her son a look that sent alarm bells through Ralph’s head, but Enzo meet her gaze evenly.
“This was your second mission,” Mrs. Smith said, coldly. “Missions within the Village’s boundaries can be just as dangerous as the ones outside of the Village. “ There was some movement behind Enzo that caught Ralph’s attention as the beefy looking man stepped to one side of the door frame. The ninja in training blinked as he realized the older man must be Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith couldn’t see him from where he hid. “Your great-grandfather found out the hard way when an easy to do mission inside the village. He was Killed. We had an entire clan nearly wiped out because their security ninja who took the mission thought it would be an easy mission and slacked off, instead of doing their job.”
Mr. Smith cupped Enzo’s shoulder and slightly pushed him out of the way before he stepped through the doorway. “Yes, love,” he spoke, “You are right. Your examples of the missions going wrong with our village boundaries are valid.” He paused, “However, I do not appreciate you bringing up past mistakes that resulted in my grandfather’s death as well as the destruction of the Isamu Clan.”
Ralph heard the breath Mrs. Smith sucked in. Mr. Smith stopped her, “This was just one mission. Like Enzo said, nobody knew the Luna Pack would attack the helpers during the Seasonal Cleaning. Yes, I know this was his second mission. He will have more within the Village walls before Lord Bark will allow him to leave the boundaries of the Village for a more dangerous mission.”
Raizen spoke up, “And the Council will be monitoring each Team’s progress as they go through each mission.” Mrs. Smith turned back to the Team 17 Instructor with a frosty look. “The Black Hands are investigating the Luna Pack Attack. It has been connected to another crime, one more sensitive to the village.”
Mrs. Smith snorted, “At least, we will get some answers to what happened and how it happened.”
“Mom,” Enzo stepped around his father, “I know you are upset -“
“I have every right to be upset,” Mrs. Smith glared at her son.
“However, this is the career path I have chosen,” Enzo went on like his mother didn’t interrupt him. “I know the dangerous of being a Ninja. They went over every possible way for us to die in class.”
Ralph nodded. He shuddered at the memory of the Leader of the Intelligence Extraction walking into the classroom that day. Ralph was sure the Leader of IE took some glee in showing off the different way a ninja could die on the job or get caught by the enemy. Ralph, personally, had nightmares for weeks after that class. He had heard several other students complain about night terrors and losing sleep. He didn’t know if Enzo had lost sleep over that class or not.
“If the Black Hands managed to find a connection between the attack and another crime,” Enzo went on, “It may mean the Luna Pack is a victims in this as much as Ralph or I am.”
Mrs. Smith turned on her heel and stared at Ralph before she addressed him, “Ralph, right?”
“Yes, Madam,” Ralph managed to choke out. He didn’t have a faints clue why she would be addressing him.
“How are your parents taking your injuries,” she asked, cocking her head to the side. “I’m sure your other teammate, Lillian - her parents must be fuming over how bad the mission went.”
Ralph’ shoulders slumped as he sighed. He gave her an unimpressed look as he answered, “I don’t know how they would take me being hurt.” He adjusted his own sling. “They are dead or at least didn’t want me. I’m a Barkson.” Mrs. Smith’s eyes widened. “And yes, Lillian’s mother’s reaction was similar to yours, but a slightly more understanding since they come from a Ninja Clan and knew the risks much better because Lillian’s father is still apart of the Ninja Force while Lillian has just start her Ninja journey.” He glanced back to Enzo. “That was the only difference between that conversation and this. As for me, I doubt anyone would care if I got injuries or not. The Caretakers at the orphanage, if they didn’t kick me out for choosing to be a ninja, would have just complained about taking care of me. I’ll be fine, in a couple weeks.”
Mrs. Smith didn’t say a word as she went inside the house. Enzo glanced after his mother with a raised eyebrow before he stepped out of the house and went to Ralph as Mr. Smith approached Raizen.
“So,” Enzo started, “What kind of injuries do you have?”
Ralph snorted, “Too many.” He paused. “You and Lillian got lucky with your injuries. It may be a while before the doctor will release me for missions.”
Enzo winced at that, saying, “It might be a blessing in disguise. We could get some actually training in while we wait for our bodies to heal up.”
“Hopefully,” Ralph agreed. He glanced over at Raizen and Mr. Smith. Their conversation seemed to have ended, being short as Ralph and Enzo’s conversation was. “I guess I will see in a few days, Enzo. Enjoy your time off.”
“You too,” Enzo nodded before he turned away, heading back inside his house.
Ralph walked to Raizen as Mr. Smith walked away, following his son back inside. Raizen gave Ralph a long sidewards glance before he started walking toward his own house with Ralph following. After a few moments, Raizen asked, “Why didn’t you inform Enzo of your situation?”
“There is no need,” Ralph shrugged before he winced, “Less people know the better. We all know what happens to traitors if they are found to be guilty. They don’t need to be dragged into this situation when even I don’t know what is going on.”
“So, what have you decided to do for the night,” Raizen asked.
“That offer to spend the night with you and your wife still open?” Ralph replied. The Teacher of Team 17 nodded. “Spend the night at your house. I will figure things out tomorrow after I find out why I am being summoned to the Government Tower.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Raizen acknowledged. They didn’t say another word until they reached Raizen’s house on the far side of town.