Chapter 35 - 35. Secret For A Secret

The old man described everything he saw during his years. It turned out, he was one of the few who left the village after Shiroken had warned them of the upcoming attack.

"We were hopeless back then. We had painted our hair black and were roaming around, from one village to another together in search of a place to start a new life. We just wanted to live in peace and never even use our Sealing techniques again. ​​

"But we found out that some Shinobi from a few villages were still after us. So we kept moving, ultimately deciding to leave the country. In the beginning, we were not let into the Tea Country. But when lady Monari came, she talked to us and understood our pain. We found out she was the wife of the Lord Daimyo of this land.

"Understanding our pain, they let us build ourselves a home right in this district, and even let us open shops to trade. Now, we sell our sealing jutsu scrolls, and special weapons to buyers from around the world, and we are under protection from Lord Daimyo and lady Monari. She even beat up some Kumo Shinobi once when they tried to harm us.

"Truly, we used to think Konoha was our truest ally and friend, but our true friend turned out to be someone we didn't even know." He told his story with great enthusiasm.

"Then I wish you luck in your life. I hope you will feel at home here." Shiroken wished and started to leave.

"It sure is like home… With a bit more fresh air." The old man replied while looking at the blue sky.

Shiroken then checked up on the people he had brought with him. To his assurance, they were being treated well. They were first given health supplements and then divided into groups based on their skills. Of course, families were kept together. Orphans were sent to Government-run Orphanages and children with an old Guardian were put on social welfare until the child grew to start earning.

School education was free in Tea Country though. They didn't need to worry about money, as their trade relations were strong and they were making huge money on small taxes they imposed.

The Tea Country was, in all words, the perfect country. It goes on to show how a few people who lived for years in a peaceful and kind environment can change things around them.

Shiroken let them celebrate and he went back to the castle to start doing his work. He wanted to go and save Saiken, as he felt the need to save that farm boy first. Saiken was also the kids' favourite plushie toy in the market.

It was made with a soft cloth and cotton filling. Kids loved to play with it and also sleep while hugging it. Real Saiken was also very friendly so if he were to come here first, people will surely start feeling different about the tailed beasts.

"I will be leaving for Kirigakure. Isobu is already with us, it's time we bring Saiken too. I don't like the culture of that place, kids being forced to kill each other to pass exams." Shiroken spoke in disgust.

"Then let's go," Monari was ready.

Shiroken immediately denied, "No, you will stay here and shower Shirajin with love. I don't want him to grow up and blame me for never receiving a parent's warmth. Trust me, I know how that feels."

She wanted to say something but a glance at her son stopped her. She would never want her child to hate her or Shiro.

"I won't let you go alone. What if you disappear again, I need someone to at least inform us every once in a while about your status." Jin voiced his concern. They didn't want to lose him just after getting him back.

"Well, I don't have any way to contact you remotely. Maybe I can try to throw a rock all the way here. But it might injure someone or break something." Shiroken suggested this absurd idea. And nobody really doubted him, maybe he really could throw the stone all the way from Water country.

"I can... Help you..." Shisui entered with the help of Izumi. He was still getting used to not seeing things.

"How?" Monari asked.

"I can control crows. I can send them here with your letters." Shisui suggested.

But Shiroken denied this help, "Sorry, but won't I have to constantly protect you? I am not going on a journey to have fun. I will be fighting whole Shinobi villages by myself."

"By the time we reach Kirigakure, I will learn to see through my other senses. I promise I won't be a burden. And if I am in danger, you don't have to save me. I am already a dead man for the world." Shisui firmly said.

*Sigh*

"Stop being so suicidal now. If you can tell me who took your eyes, I can get them back. But you won't tell me, right? As it's a secret of Konoha?" Shiroken stated. The thinking Shisui had, that his village came above all, was the exact thing he was trying to change.

"I can not tell that. It will jeopardise the safety of the village." Shisui replied.

"Hmm, I hope you open your inner eyes soon and see the world for what it is, instead of the propaganda-ish glasses of Konoha. Come with me now, we will leave immediately, let me show you how 'great' this world is." He ordered.

But Shisui had different reasons to come along, he wanted to understand Shiroken. He had heard enough rumours by now about him and he wanted to confirm them.

"WAIT! Take me with you... Lady Monari said you can help me get strong." Izumi clamoured.

But Shiroken outright rejected her, saying, "No. I am not a babysitter. You are not strong enough to survive where I am going. First, learn to fully utilise your 3-tomoe Sharingan and then the Mangekyo, when you have done that, I will help you. Remember, do not make revenge your life's goal, make it your strength."

He didn't want to be too hard on this girl though. She just lost her clan and her parents to the boy she liked. He ruffled her hair to convey the message that he was not a very upright serious guy. He can and will help her as long as she has a strong enough will.

From the years of seeing the humans fight each other, one thing he learnt was that the only ones who should be helped are those that deserved to be helped. Because sometimes, while helping someone stand up, they bring you down along.

"Let's get going then. Oh, Jin, prepare a big farm for Saiken, I'm sure he misses his previous job..." He suggested.

After that, he headed to the port and from there he took a boat. He didn't bring anyone else on it. Only him and Shisui.

"It will take us months on the boat to reach Kirigakure." Shisui guessed.

Shiroken chuckled and waved his hand. A sudden gust of wind pushed the boat further, it kept on repeating and soon they were cutting through the sea.

"How are you doing this? I didn't feel you use any kind of jutsu." Shisui asked.

Shiroken laughed and took a seat by the steering wheel. "It's a secret. I will tell you mine when you tell me yours."

"Then how old are you exactly? This shouldn't be a secret in the village, right?" Shisui asked another question.

"Hmm, I stopped counting after reaching 200," Shiroken replied and started to heat some dumplings he had packed for the trip. There were about 5 big drums full of dumplings of all kinds of flavours.

Shisui was shaken a little. From what Izumi had described, Shiroken didn't look older than your average man in his 30s.

"And why are we going to Kirigakure? Especially this Saiken person?" He inquired.

Shiroken burst into laughter, "Hahaha... to think you people declared them mindless beasts before even asking their names. Shamelessness knows no bounds. Saiken is the six-tailed beast. They are my dear family and they were forced to become your Shinobi nation's prisoners and war slaves by Hashirama."

"But... how can beasts raise you?" Shisui was unable to comprehend how the mighty and dangerous tailed beasts could take care of a baby.

"Say whatever you want, the fact is, you people know nothing about their origin, their lives, and their feelings. They are beings older than all the clans on Earth. They tried to befriend humans but were shunned by them for their giant size and sometimes scary nature.

"But let me tell you, they are the gentlest creatures who also crave love and compassion, like any other being. What would you do if you were locked in a seal that restricts your movement? A seal that contains everything, your feelings too, for years and years?

"Won't you be angry? And won't that anger compile into that seal until it breaks? They don't care about humans or villages or clans. They just want to be left alone and live happily. Is that too much to ask for? Look at their condition now, they have been forcefully turned into weapons of mass destruction.

"Now that I am back, I will not allow my family to be hurt like this... EVER!"

This was Shiroken's declaration, that if these humans keep on putting their villages above all else, then he won't be gentle with them. He has limited patience after all.

Shisui was listening to him keenly. He agreed with all of his points about the tailed beasts, and if they really were as intelligent and compassionate beings as Shiroken said, then the Shinobi world was indeed wrong. But he picked a small line Shiroken said and asked, "Back? Where were you?"

"No no no... No more secrets from me. Besides, if I tell you, you might just lose the will to live, knowing how powerful the real enemy is. Here, eat some dumplings, get energy, and become a big strong boy." Shiroken warmly advised him, handing him the plate.

"I'm already 17, just so you know." Shisui reminded him. He didn't like being called 'boy'.

Shiroken laughingly patted his head, "Hehe... To me, everyone is a kid. Even your Hokage. Now eat."

Shisui sighed in defeat and ate silently. At least he appreciated Shiroken's kind nature. Not many would be kind to a blind boy in the current world.

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