Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Ghostly Eyes ❯ The Wood Shadow ( Chapter 6 )

      His title among the Nimmori was the Ki’ge. The name was derived from the title given to the leader of Morigakure no Sato. It was given only to the most powerful and respected ninja of the land. Had the village not been cut off and remained in contact with modern society, the Ki’ge might well have been known as Kyvdaime Kikage, the Ninth Wood Shadow.

     However, after many years of life, much of the power held in youth had left the old man. He still maintained much respect among his people, but his body had become frail, his bones brittle. It became far more difficult to replenish his Life’s Flame after using his abilities. Soon a successor would be needed. However, he had something he wished to see before he was called to the next life. The Ki’ge had to ensure that Kashghyu N’Ga fulfilled her purpose for the Nimmori. Until then, he would gasp every breath he could. Until that glorious day.

     It wasn’t long after Kashghyu’s hunting party left that it came back with the four shee’nobie of fire in tow. The Ki'ge looked outside of his hut, constructed high around a top of one of the forest’s tallest trees, to see the captives as they were led to where they would be held. He saw the red-eyed woman and the three boys, led in by the young men and women who had served in the hunting party. The Ki’ge noted some of their number were missing. He told himself to ask Kashghyu about it when she reported. Hopefully, it meant only injuries and no death. Their numbers were precious few, not even two hundred, and the coming days would need as much manpower as they could muster.

     The Ki’ge sat on the mats scattered about the floor of his hut, waiting for the arrival he knew would come. Nearly an hour later, Kashghyu N’ga walked in, dropping to her knee in a show of respect. The beads in the girl’s hair rattled against each other as she bowed her head. The paints that had covered her bare face, arms, and legs were now gone, revealing the pale skin underneath. She had gone to the village hot springs to cleanse herself after the hunt, as was Nimmori custom. Only the seal on her forehead remained. She was barefoot, her boots sitting outside the hut’s door. The Ki’ge noticed something in the girl’s arms, but wanted more pressing matters taken care of first.

     “Honored Ki’ge,” she spoke, “I am pleased to inform you that the shee’nobie of the Fire Shadow are ours. They are currently tied for all to see in the Center.”

     The Center was the trunk of an ancient tree, long ago cut down, which rested in the center of the village that was often used for tribal meetings. He imagined the four had been tied to stakes in the center, in view of most of the village.

     “There were injuries.” Kashghyu continued, “No deaths, however. The injured have gone to the healers to seek treatment.”

     “Anything serious?”

     “Some broken bones, one had trouble walking. However, the injured refused our help, instead supporting themselves. They did not wish our goals compromised by removing the guard off the shee’nobie only for their aid.”

     The Ki’ge smiled at the pride that entered the girl’s voice. She was no doubt pleased with the honor with which those under her command had acted. The Ki’ge then heard an odd whining sound, and a whispered curse from the girl. He noticed then, that what the child had in her arms was a small pup.

     “What is this, child?” he asked her.

     “This animal was carried by one of the shee’nobie.” Kashghyu reported, “I can not explain why, but I was… compelled… to keep it away from that one.”

     “Oh?” the Ki’ge asked, interested. He noticed Kashghyu began to tremble a little.

     “Those people… they kept calling me something…”

     “A name.” the Ki’ge said, not a question. A statement of fact. Kashghyu’s face shot up, her pale white eyes looking into those of the older man.

     “Hinata.” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

     “Did you have any other strange… compulsions… besides keeping the dog?”

     “Well…” ; the girl started, beginning to sound nervous, “I ordered that the edge of the plaza be coated in the ointments we use to keep insects away… but I know why I did that!” she suddenly yelled, as if trying to convince herself, “One of them can control insects.”

     “The repelling ointment will prevent them from coming to his aid.” the Ki’ge said approvingly, “Anything else?”

     “The third boy… my face becomes warm when I look at him. I only thank the goddess that my face was painted or I’d’ve looked foolish. Why does this happen to me with them?”

     “The answer, my child, is simple. They are from before.”

     “Before… you mean…” she asked, disbelieving.

     “Yes. Before you came to us. Before you underwent the Rites of Purification and became Nimmori.”

     “They came for me!” the girl exclaimed. Her cold as ice attitude faltering.

     “They did.”

     “Why?!”

     “Why else? They fear your powers in the wrong hands. Namely, any hands but their own. You are of the Blessed Line. The power of your Ghostly Eyes is proof. Those of the Line were lost in the great closing that sealed the Nimmori in this valley. Many were among those who were gone at that time. Those few who remained died in the disaster. Those who remain are servants of the Flame.”

     “We had feared all hope was lost when we discovered this, so many years ago. But, the goddess has delivered you to us. The moment I saw you, I knew. You were Chosen among the Blessed, Kashghyu N‘Ga.”

     “Thank you, sir.” Kashghyu said, once again feeling warmth in her face.

     “Is there anything else to report?” the Ki’ge asked.

     “There is not. All that is left is to decide the fate of the shee’nobie.”

     R 20;It is dangerous, to simply leave them. They could interfere with the rituals should they escape. Yet, at the same time, killing them outright might not be advisable either. They are powerful, if they were able to resist yourself and several of our warriors.”

     “Shall you purify them, Honored Ki’ge, as you did me?”

     “I would like to. But I fear for my health should I attempt it. I no longer possess the great strength of my youth. My Life’s Flame does not rekindle like yours can, my dear.”

     “Then what shall we do?” Kashghyu asked.

     “Despite the risk, we will leave them for now. They shall still be purified, but not until after. When you have finished your role in future events, you shall bring them to our number.”

     “Yes sir.” Kashghyu said. Kashghyu N’ga couldn’t help but feel another unexplained emotion. Though she did not understand why, she felt relief that the shee’nobie would not be killed.

     “When all is done, no taint will be so strong it cannot be destroyed before you.”

     “Yes, honored Ki’ge.”

     With the Ki’ge’s leave, she rose and left to retire for the night.

     Soon, the Ki’ge thought as he watched her leave, the very world will return to the purity of nature. Just as we did. For soon, She of the Ghostly Eyes, you will become our Goddess-Made-Flesh.