"Well, that scroll you delivered..."
Chief Tenro paused, grimacing slightly.
"See, we had another nukenin, a Chunin from the Amagiri clan. They fled all the way to the Land of Grass. I issued a request to Konoha to track him down and... ask him some questions. That scroll was his testimony."
Interrupting him, I raised my hand. "Respectfully, why are you telling me this, Chief Tenro? We aren't from the same village. Aren't you worried about that?"
Chuckling slightly, he shook his head. "You see, our villages our allied completely. Have been, for decades now. We needed the support of a larger village, and Kiri... well, Kiri was demanding that we hand over our founders wife since she had a Kekkei Genkai. Sadly, when Konoha finally came to our rescue... well, she would rather die than be sullied. That is why I am willing to share this with you. Konoha and Yume are allies, and unless either side does something egregious, we shall continue to be allies."
Pausing again, he took a deep breath before saying "We learned from him that the Amagiri Clan head, Gensui Amagiri, is planning a coup. Not only is he planning a coup, he has reached out to Kiri for help. So, I want to ask you: what do you think I should do? Should I preemptively strike, or wait and react?"
Pursing my lips, I contemplated the issue. Both had merit.
If he preemptively struck the Amagiri clan, he could fight on his terms, not theirs. However, he doesn't know it the entire clan is trying to stage the coup, or just a select few.
If he waits, he can try and prepare, but he might lose more people to their ambush. Additionally, more innocents might die if this is a bloody takeover.
Sighing, I said "Personally, I would act first. Give the members of the Amagiri a chance to repent while taking the heads of those who refuse. Send a clear message that betrayal of the village will not be tolerated. If need be, extract the information from this Gensui fellow and use it as proof. There will be less innocent casualties this way, at least that's what I think."
Silence descended in the room, a look of deep contemplation on the Chiefs face. Eventually, he sighed. "Thank you, Miss Kanei. I think... I think I shall heed your advice."
I continued to stand there in silence, until a knock could be heard at the door. Entering was Ryuka, holding a small wad of bills. Looking at her father again, and receiving a nod, she handed the wad to me.
"There is your reward, and here..."
Quickly finishing what he was writing, he stamped twice, before rolling the scroll up and handing it to me. Placing it in my vest, I bowed again.
Sighing, the Chief looked towards me and said "Will you be staying the night here or will you be leaving to return to Konoha?"
Pursing my lips, I said "I think I want to stay here, experience what another village has to offer."
Hearing that, I could see Ryuka perk up a bit. Chief Tenro also seemed to notice this, as he chuckled before saying "Why don't you let Ryuka here show you around?"
Looking back towards the pinknette, I saw her looking at me with a slight smile and anticipation in her eyes.
"Sure, why not."
Ryuka's smile widened, and she led me out of the room. Bowing to the Chief one last time, I followed her.
Walking through the hallways, I asked "So what's the deal with all the art?"
"Ah, for some reason, the people here have very... interesting dreams. Hence the name, Village Hidden among Dreams. These art scrolls are the dreams people have had. Most people in this village are quite creative, and have no problem expressing ourselves via some artistic expression, like painting or music."
Nodding, I followed her out of the tower, looking at the village that was now bathed in the warm glow of dawn. Standing in front of me, Ryuka turned around, before saying "Are you hungry, or should we go see the Hill of Illusions?"
"Hill of Illusions?"
"Oh, it's the large hill over there. It was named because the founders, Jisu Amagiri and Hoto Tenro both had visions of the people they loved on that hill, long after they died. Since there was nothing evil about the hill, and other people had claimed to 'see' their dreams manifest on the hill, it was named Hill of Illusions."
"Sounds interesting. Let's look at the hill, then go eat."
Making our way through the village, Ryuka made small talk, asking things like 'why did you become a kunoichi?' or 'what made you decide to use a chokuto?'
These questions continued, and I answered all of them, repeating them back to her when I could. Seeing as everything she asked was related to being a kunoichi, I came to the small realization that she was either a workaholic or she simply wanted to try and talk about the thing she knew we had in common, which was our job.
The people gave us curious looks, respectfully greeting Ryuka and giving hesitant nods to me. Some shinobi were out and about, some of which were Amagiri clansmen. They shot glares towards us, always staying far away. If I wasn't so used to detecting hidden people, I wouldn't have noticed.
Gradually, we left the village behind. Fewer buildings decorated the landscape, and the fog grew heavier when we approached the hill.
"I will just warn you that there is a chance you will... see some things here. The fog is sometimes natural, other times it sends you into an illusion. So, if you see someone or something that shouldn't be there, that's why."
Looking over at her, she gave me a slight grin before gesturing into the fog. Sighing, I started walking up the hill.
"I shall see you on the hilltop, Miss Kanei!"
With that, she rushed into the fog.
Sighing again, I looked around. Not being able to see much, nor hear much, I shrugged before cautiously making my way up the hill.
Moments passed, and the silence was shattered by a voice. One I was all too familiar with.
"Kokoro, are you sure you don't want to have some fun? I can make it quick~"
Turning my head, I saw the familiar figure of Anko walk out of the fog. A wide grin adorned her face, and her tongue flitted out like a snakes.
Seeing her, I smiled as well. Even if it was just an illusion, being together for the last few days had made me desire her presence even more.
Staying quiet, I allowed her to approach me. Wrapping her arm around my shoulder, she brought her face close to mine. Flitting her tongue out again, I could feel it brush against my cheek.
Chuckling at the slight tingle I felt run through my body, I looked her in the eyes before saying "Sage knows what I would do to you if you were really here, my love."
At that, the illusion Anko widened her grin even more, before chuckling. "Then remember to show me when you see me again, Kokoro~"
With that, she released my shoulder before walking back into the fog. I had focused my senses on her, trying to figure out what exactly caused it. However, when she had been embraced by the fog, the sound of her footsteps and breathing had disappeared.
Sighing, my heart tightened slightly. Smiling wryly, I continued my trek up the hill, wondering what else was in store for me.
I didn't know whether to be disappointed or happy that the fog had relented, making my journey peaceful. I was half hoping to see Kurenai walk out of the fog, however she never did.
Biting my lip, I decided that I would leave early tomorrow to rush home. It isn't everyday that you get to be in another Hidden Village, and I wanted to see what it had to offer, but I missed Konoha. I missed my girls.
Reaching the crest of the hill, I saw Ryuka standing next to a large stone monument, her hands clasped together. Hearing me approach, she turned to look at me. Smiling, she asked "Was your journey a pleasant one?"
Returning the smile, I nodded. "Yes. I saw glimpses of my home."
Chuckling, Ryuka gestured for me to approach. Pointing at the monument, she said "This is the Founder's Stone. While Konoha has it's Hokage Monument with their faces carved into the mountain, Yume has this. It tells the story of Jisu and Hoto. Of course, the main reason most people come up here..."
Sweeping her arm out, she smiled.
"The view of not only the Village, but also the land of dreams."