Chapter 50: Chapter 19 - The issue of Legitimacy
Today the ANBU from various clans were arriving, and considering she had nothing to fill her mornings, Yomi had decided to train and condition herself a bit more. She hadn't needed to use her abilities for a while, and now was her chance to see if she could use Shi's abilities. How far would her body modifications take her? What had he left behind for her?
She went through her usual routine, trying to feel out her body—every inch, every cell. She needed to feel everything that was hers, and once she could, she extended her range, sensing her cells in an extended radius. Then she brought her senses back, feeling her body. She modified her skin, changing the structure of the carbon deposited in it just a bit until it was as hard as silicone.
She looked at her skin; it looked the same, but if anyone tried to puncture it, they would be mistaken. Next, she checked her back for her wings, one of the first body modifications she had made because she had always dreamed of flying. Since the accident, she had been kept in the hospital under strict supervision, so Shi had been the only one to take her out flying.
She closed her eyes, needing to start thinking outside the box. Shi had given up his existence for her to keep living. Now her chakra pathways were open, and she could sense it. If she wanted to use it, she'd need to start training from the ground up. Since everyone was busy, the only one she could ask to train her was Kisame, but the idea alone embarrassed her. So she could only try for herself, to wield the powers Shi had as a shinigami.
There were three ways to become a shinigami:
The first was to die an unnatural death. Most humans saw 'unnatural' as sickness or accidents, but for shinigami, unnatural meant dying at the hands of the supernatural.
The second was to be born with a godhead.
The third was a method Shi never got to find out.
Shi had died at the hands of a god, and as compensation, he was made a shinigami. But when he came back for his sister, she was unrecognisable. He blamed himself for this and so begged to give her a second chance on her deathbed. But after a second chance, there was no third chance. Activating the snake scroll should have killed her, but in exchange for his godhead, she was given a third chance at life.
His residual power was all she could use, but considering she was not a true god, there would be backlash up to a certain extent. Just like now.
Yomi tried; she really did. When it came to her powers, the rules were clear. She could only affect herself, and she couldn't make something out of nothing. Right then, she tried to overcome that rule.
She concentrated, trying to make a weapon from thin air, and at first, nothing happened. But then a black flash sparked as a long metal pole began to form.
Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her chest, and she coughed up blood. Her vision blurred as she dropped to one knee, clutching her chest. The backlash was severe. She had pushed herself too far, too quickly.
Frustration and anger surged through her as she struggled to catch her breath. She had hoped to gain better control over her abilities, but it seemed she still had a long way to go. Determined not to give up, she wiped the blood from her mouth and stood up slowly, the pain subsiding but leaving her exhausted.
He had left this for her; this is what she deserved. He owed it to her. At least this...
Deciding she needed a break and some guidance, she headed towards the training grounds where Kisame was practicing. She found him in the midst of his routine, she had to admit he had surpassed her quickly. She wasn't that great at hand to hand combat and now she only had her abilities. Realistically, the kid she picked up from the streets was far stronger than her.
She hated to admit how it made her feel.
"Good morning, Kisame," Yomi called out, trying to shake off her frustration.
Kisame looked up, a smile spreading across his face. "Good morning, Sozo-sama! Are you here to train with me?"
"One of these days you'll have to call me nee-san." She muttered walking over to him. Sozo-sama made her feel strange, like they weren't family. "Can I train with you?" At least she wouldn't beat him easily.
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After her training session, Yomi headed straight for the baths. The warm water and soothing steam helped her relax her tense muscles and clear her mind. She stayed in the bath until she felt completely rejuvenated. As she dressed and prepared to meet the Kages, she couldn't shake off the lingering frustration from her training.
The Mizukage greeted her as she entered the meeting room. Yomi sat at the head of the table, nodding to the Kazekage.
"Welcome, Kamikage," the Mizukage began, his tone formal.
"I trust you are all aware of the purpose of this meeting. We are here to discuss the upcoming mission in Ame."
The Kazekage leaned forward, his blue hair tied back today. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
Yomi nodded, expecting this line of questioning. She briefly explained the plan to the two kage until they were satisfied.
The Kazekage nodded in understanding. "And what about Ame? How do you propose we split its resources and ninjas among our villages?"
Yomi's eyes hardened. "I have no interest in Ame's resources. However, I believe the ninjas should be given the opportunity to defect to whichever village they feel aligned with. This will ensure their commitment and reduce internal strife."
The Mizukage shook his head. "I refuse. Allowing enemy ninjas into our ranks is a recipe for disaster. We cannot afford such risks."
The Kazekage nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it is too risky. We need assurances, Kamikage."
Yomi calmly looked at her notes before speaking. "Fine. Chika will take them."
A look of concern swept through their faces. If Chika absorbed all the talented ninjas, it would undoubtedly tip the balance of power.
The Kazekage decided to shift the conversation. He was unwilling to take in enemy ninja but didn't want to give them to another nation either. The best would be to kill them. "Are you officially declaring yourself as a Kage, Yomi?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Kages are chosen by their village based on their reputation amongst other ninja villages. You've done nothing significant to earn that title."
Yomi's hands shook slightly, but she held her ground. "What are you insinuating, Kazekage-sama?"
He leaned back, a mocking look on his face. "You can't just be a Kage because you have power. You haven't proven yourself as a ninja. You haven't earned it."
Yomi's heart pounded in her chest, but she met his gaze. Did they think she was weak? "And what do you propose?"
"You should take on the Jonin exams after the subjugation," he said, his tone challenging. "It's the only way to prove your status as Kage."
Yomi clenched her fists, feeling humiliated. She wanted to just kill them all, but could she? "I accept your challenge."
The Kazekage smirked. "The Jonin exams are being held in Suna next time. You have time to prepare."
Yomi said nothing; ultimately, she was just a little girl playing ninja in the world of the strong. She wanted desperately to gain more power, but how desperate was she?
Not desperate enough.
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As she exited the room, she was met by Ikue, who greeted her with a warm smile.
"Ikue," Yomi acknowledged, her tone curt.
"Yomi-chan, it's been too long," Ikue said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I've been waiting to speak with you."
Yomi wasn't fooled by her demeanour, she was the greatest merchant in Chika and Kiri, if someone said her smile was enough to collapse an economy, that wouldn't be an understatement. "What is it, Ikue?"
Ikue's smile widened, the two walked down the halls of the kage palace. "I've been hearing some interesting rumours about you, Yomi-chan. It seems you've caught the eye of many merchants. They've been visiting the Chika clans quite frequently."
Yomi raised an eyebrow. "And what of it?" This wasn't her area of expertise, naturally she was hearing this for the first time.
Ikue's eyes gleamed with interest. "They want to know who you plan to marry."
Yomi was taken aback, her expression momentarily blank. "What do you mean?"
Ikue's smile turned sly. "There are rumours that you favour an Amegakure ninja. This makes many people uncomfortable. If you die, the power could transfer to someone outside Chika."
"When I die?" They were already planning for her death? She had to hold herself back from scoffing.
Ikue nodded. "Yes, Yomi-chan. It's something to consider. The merchants want assurances. They want to know who will stand by your side and inherit your power." They want to know if they'll be able to gain the same benefits from her spouse.
Yomi thought for a moment before responding, her voice steady. "Only the qualified will be able to stand by my side. If they have time to worry about my love life, they should send their sons to the Jonin exams. Whoever beats me can marry me." She planned to win the Jonin exams, so naturally this was just her talking shit.
Ikue's eyes widened in surprise, her composure momentarily faltering. "You... you can't be serious." Asking civilians to join the Jonin exams, how is that possible?
Yomi's gaze was unwavering. "I am. If they want to prove their worth, let them face me in the exams. Only then will they earn the right to stand by my side."
Ikue frowned, her eyes narrowing dangerously, but Yomi did not plan to back down. "Yomi, I will give you some advice. In this world, some decisions need to be made strategically; do not let your pride blind you. You need the support of the merchants, you need to reassure them or Chikagakure will crumble."
This was a threat; Yomi could see that plainly. "Then who do you think should sit by my side?" She asked sarcastically, she hated when people made plans on her behalf. Who did they think they were?
"Take this as an advice from a friend. You should consider Kanetsugu Raiden."
"Raiden? The embezzler?" Yomi felt her choice was quite odd, what did the young head of a small clan have to offer her.
"You might think he is a nobody, but he would be the perfect partner just for that very reason. He is a nobody. That way, your position as kage will remain stable." Ikue noticed her unease and suggested another option. "Another option, would be Kakuzu?"
"What?"
"He has been there from the beginning; that way, no one will question your choice. Another option will be to marry a small merchant; I can arrange that for you.."
"Just stop for a moment." Yomi said suddenly feeling a headache, this conversation was getting out of hand. Kakuzu would never marry her, and she had no intention of getting married any time soon. "Let's talk about it after the subjugation of Ame." She said with a sigh.
Ikue saw her deflection and could only give up, "I recommend you sort this out sooner than later, so the clans under your banner don't have any ideas." With that, she bowed. "It was lovely speaking to you, Kamikage-sama." Then she retreated.
Yomi felt her head throb, it felt like a lot of pressure had suddenly been piled on her and she didn't know where to start.
She remembered the whole reason for calling the Kage meeting today and had to push everything aside. First she needed to kill Hanzo of the Salamander.
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