Chapter 199: A Taste of Stone
Malik and Daichi continued to observe the training children for a while, but eventually, the sound of approaching footsteps drew Malik's attention. He turned to see Kurotsuchi striding up to him, her expression smug and challenging as she noticed him lounging comfortably.
"Well, well, look who's getting comfy," she mocked, a grin playing at the corners of her lips.
Malik rolled over, resting his head on his hand, and took in the sight of her. Sweat glistened on her skin, and her clothes were dirt-streaked, evidence of a vigorous training session. "Looks like you've been out training," he remarked, his tone light.
Kurotsuchi rolled her eyes. "You must be Captain Obvious," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Malik chuckled but resisted the urge to flirt back, instead asking, "Why aren't you training at your family's compound? Seems like it would be convenient."
Her expression shifted slightly as she shrugged. "We've got other training areas outside the compound, especially for older shinobi who need a different level of challenge than what we provide the younger members. Besides…" She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I've got no talent with the Kamizuru Clan's bees anyway."
There was a pause in the air as Malik considered her words, his curiosity piqued. "Why is that?" he asked, genuinely interested.
Kurotsuchi, however, didn't respond. She turned her attention away, as if ending the conversation. Sensing the change, Malik smoothly changed the subject, "Well, how about you show me where your clan keeps its kitchen?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Why can't you ask someone else?" she said, glancing down at herself. "I stink and need a bath."
Malik waved a hand dismissively. "The food I'm about to make will be worth it, I promise," he said, grinning.
Despite herself, Kurotsuchi felt a spark of curiosity, though she hid it behind a neutral expression. "Fine, follow me," she said, motioning for him and Daichi to trail behind. As they walked through the corridors of the compound, she looked over at Daichi. "I'm surprised you only brought one person for your protection," she noted.
Malik gave her a charming smile, his tone warm. "Oh, I have a knack for convincing people not to murder me," he said playfully.
She remained quiet, but Malik caught the thoughtful look on her face as they continued on. Eventually, Kurotsuchi led them to a large kitchen meant for preparing meals for many people. It was a spacious, stone-walled room with long counters and a large fireplace for cooking. However, it had the look of a place that hadn't been used for grand feasts in quite some time.
"We don't keep much in this kitchen," Kurotsuchi said, glancing around the mostly empty shelves. "Our supplies aren't what they used to be. It's not like we're cooking for a large group anymore."
Malik shook his head with a smile. "Don't worry about that," he said as he clapped his hands together, a puff of pink smoke enveloping him. When the smoke cleared, Malik was dressed in cooking attire—pink and gold chef's clothing that fit his short, dark-skinned, and plump frame perfectly.
Kurotsuchi watched, her eyes scanning him up and down, though she said nothing.
As Malik started to work, chopping ingredients and heating the stove with a touch of magic, Kurotsuchi turned to Daichi. "So, what's your name, Boulder Guy?" she asked.
Daichi smiled warmly. "Daichi," he said simply.
Kurotsuchi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I've heard rumors about an earth-style user sinking an entire prison into the ground a while back. Is that you?"
Daichi's smile widened. "Seems like my reputation precedes me," he replied. "But yeah, that was me, a good while ago. That stunt landed me in prison, though. Malik here was the one who gave me a second chance. I'm stronger than I was back then."
Kurotsuchi crossed her arms and smirked. "I'm interested in a sparring match sometime. Iwa's always interested in people who can bend the earth to their will, especially if they've earned a name like 'The Boulder.'"
Daichi let out a booming laugh. "Another time, maybe. Right now, my top priority is protecting Malik. He's done too much for me to let him down."
Kurotsuchi sighed but nodded in understanding. "I'll hold you to that fight, though," she said, giving him a half-smile.
"Deal," Daichi replied, giving her a thumbs-up.
Kurotsuchi turned to leave but paused at the door. "I'm going to get cleaned up. You'd better make good food, or I'll be majorly disappointed," she said, her tone half-joking, half-serious.
Malik winked at her. "Don't worry. I'll make something special just for you. Besides, I'll be using some of that excess honey you've got stocked up. Trust me, you'll like it."
She grinned despite herself. "Good, because I'm starving," she said before turning on her heel and leaving the kitchen.
Once she was gone, Malik glanced over at Daichi, who was munching on a handful of nuts he'd found in the cupboards. "You know, you could've gone with her," Malik remarked with a teasing smile.
Daichi shook his head. "Nah, Boss. Protecting you is more important. Besides, your wife Shisui is super scary, and I'd rather not risk her wrath," he said with a laugh.
Malik chuckled as he continued his preparations. "Good point, my friend," he agreed, his hands moving with practiced ease as he began to craft a dish that would not only impress Kurotsuchi but leave a lasting impression on the Kamizuru Clan.
As the enticing aroma of honey-glazed pastries and sizzling meats filled the kitchen, Malik felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that he was about to give the clan a taste of something extraordinary. It wasn't just food he was preparing—it was a symbol of hope, and a reminder that even the most forgotten traditions could be made new again.
As Kurotsuchi made her way towards the female bathhouse, she found herself face-to-face with Suzumebachi, who looked just as disheveled and sweaty from training as she was. There was a brief, awkward moment where the two women stopped, seemingly unsure of what to say. It wasn't that they disliked each other; it was more that things had always been distant between them. Despite being close in age and among the few women in their extended family, an invisible barrier had always seemed to exist.
Kurotsuchi glanced at Suzumebachi and tried to think of something to say. "Training at the same time, huh?" she ventured, her tone casual but slightly strained.
Suzumebachi nodded. "Yeah, figured I'd get some practice in," she replied, her voice clipped as if she wasn't sure how to continue.
They continued walking towards the bathhouse entrance side by side, but the silence between them was uncomfortable, stretching on like a thin thread about to snap. It wasn't the first time they had run into each other here, but these encounters always seemed to go the same way—stilted conversation, brief pleasantries, and then quiet avoidance.
"So, uh… heard you showed Malik the kitchen," Suzumebachi said as they approached the changing area. It wasn't much of a conversation starter, but it was better than nothing.
Kurotsuchi shrugged, reaching up to undo her headband "Yeah, he seemed pretty excited to cook something. Said he was going to make use of all that honey we've got stocked up," she replied, her voice nonchalant. She glanced sideways at Suzumebachi, who was fiddling with her hair tie, clearly searching for the next thing to say.
"That's… good, I guess," Suzumebachi muttered as she slipped out of her training clothes. "It's not like we get to eat anything special around here often," she added, trying to keep the conversation going, but the words felt forced.
"Right," Kurotsuchi replied, nodding along. "He's supposed to be some famous cook, right? Maybe it'll be worth the wait."
The two women exchanged an awkward smile before falling silent again, focusing on getting undressed. As they folded their clothes and reached for towels, Kurotsuchi wondered why it was always so hard to talk to Suzumebachi. They weren't enemies, and they shared a lot of the same struggles as kunoichi in Iwa. But for some reason, every attempt at conversation felt like trying to start a fire with wet sticks. It was sad and a little frustrating, but at the same time, there was something almost funny about it—two young women who could fight in wars but couldn't have a normal chat in a bathhouse.
"So… did you get stronger?" Suzumebachi asked suddenly, glancing over at Kurotsuchi as they approached the hot water.
Kurotsuchi paused, then smirked. "Always," she said simply, though she wasn't sure if it was the answer Suzumebachi was looking for.
With that, they both stepped into the steaming bath, letting the hot water do the talking as they settled into the silence that had become all too familiar. It wasn't much of a conversation, but at least it was one of their better ones.
As the warm water enveloped them, Kurotsuchi's thoughts wandered. She glanced over at Suzumebachi, whose eyes were closed as she leaned back against the stone. Despite the tension between them, Kurotsuchi couldn't help but admire Suzumebachi's dedication to training. It was a trait they both shared, but Suzumebachi seemed to push herself even further, always striving for perfection.
Suddenly, a splash of water broke the silence. Kurotsuchi turned to see Suzumebachi dunking her head under, emerging moments later with her hair slicked back.
"Tough training session?" Kurotsuchi asked, trying to keep her voice light.
Suzumebachi opened her eyes and sighed, the sound carrying under the heavy steam. "Just the usual."
As Kurotsuchi's gaze lingered on Suzumebachi's form, she couldn't help but notice the significant difference in size between their chests. Despite their similarities in height and overall build, Suzumebachi's chest was notably larger, a fact that was even more pronounced in the water. Kurotsuchi felt a pang of insecurity, a sensation she was not used to feeling, given her reputation as one of the strongest kunoichi in Iwa.
For a moment, Kurotsuchi's thoughts drifted back to her past, recalling the countless hours she spent honing her skills and the grueling training sessions she endured. But despite her strength and determination, she couldn't shake off the comparison to Suzumebachi. She wondered if Suzumebachi felt similarly, or if she even noticed the difference.
Suzumebachi's eyes fluttered open, catching Kurotsuchi staring. There was a brief, unreadable expression on her face before she quickly looked away, focusing instead on the steam rising from the water.
"Training is always intense," Suzumebachi said quietly, breaking the tension. "We need to push ourselves if we want to stay ahead."
Kurotsuchi nodded, trying to push aside her insecurities. "Yeah, you're right. It's just… sometimes it feels like there's always more to do, you know?" she replied, her voice tinged with frustration.
Suzumebachi sighed, her eyes meeting Kurotsuchi's for a moment before she looked down. "Yeah, I know what you mean," she admitted. "But we can't let up."
As the warm water laps gently against their skin, Kurotsuchi's gaze returns to Suzumebachi's form. Suzumebachi's breasts, full and round, sit high on her chest, the nipples dark and pert, contrasting with her pale skin. Kurotsuchi's own chest, while also substantial, is a shade lighter with smaller, rosier nipples. Each of their bodies carries the marks of their rigorous training, toned and powerful, but distinct in their own way.
Suzumebachi clears her throat, breaking the silence. "You know, Kurotsuchi, there's more to life than just training and fighting," she says, her voice softer than before, almost reflective.
Kurotsuchi raises an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? Like what?" Suzumebachi shrugs with a blush on her face, " What do you think of Malik?" Kurotsuchi notices the change in the subject but gives her thoughts anyway. As the water swirls around them, Kurotsuchi ponders the unexpected question. Malik, the mysterious cook with alot of money and a kinda cute smile, has left quite an impression on the village. His enigmatic nature and charm have drawn in quite a few admirers, including herself and Suzumebachi, though she wouldn't go as far as having feelings for him.
Kurotsuchi's eyes narrow slightly, considering how much to reveal to herself and her cousin. "Malik... he's certainly a fascinating individual," she begins, her voice thoughtful. "He has a way of understanding people, of seeing through their facades. It's both intriguing and unnerving."
Suzumebachi nods, her eyes reflecting a similar curiosity. "He's unlike anyone we've ever met," she agrees. "I've heard things... about his past and his abilities. It's not just his charm that sets him apart. I've seen a few of them too," Kurotsuchi notices the way her cousin smiles and light up when she talks about him, she rolls her eyes, "Don't tell me you like him for something?"
Suzumebachi's cheeks flush even more as she tries to hide her grin. "I wouldn't say 'like,' but he does have a certain charm," she admits, her voice tinged with admiration. "There's just something... magnetic about him."
Kurotsuchi can't help but chuckle, shaking her head. "Magnetic, huh? Honestly, he isn't as bad as I first thought but he is going to need to do a lot more to earn my respect."
Suzumebachi laughs softly, the sound blending with the bubbling of the hot spring. "If anyone could handle him, it's you."
As the conversation flows between them, the tension from before seems to melt away. The hot spring water, combined with the steam and the intimate atmosphere, creates a sense of closeness and connection between the two cousins. Kurotsuchi being a little bolder asks her older cousin now feeling a little closer to her, "So even though he saved the life of you and your brothers, you don't have a crush on him? What if he does as he says and restores our clan's honor, what then?"
Suzumebachi's blush deepens as she processes Kurotsuchi's question. "No," she says firmly, though there's a slight hesitancy in her voice that suggests maybe there's more to her feelings than she's letting on. "It's not that simple. We're shinobi. Our loyalties are to our village, not to an outsider, no matter how charming or capable he may be."
Kurotsuchi nods, respecting her cousin's stance. "I understand. It's important to remember our duty."
The conversation fades into comfortable silence as they both continue to soak in the hot spring. The steam envelops them, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. Their thoughts wander, each immersed in their own reflections. "But . . ." Suzumebachi starts, "Just maybe, if he does as he says, and earns a place in out village, and our family, then maybe, just maybe, I can start thinking about things like love and Malik." Kurotsuchi nods, respecting her cousin's stance again but smiling and teasing, "So . . . you do like him." Suzumebachi gives her s telling smile but says, "It doesn't matter, at least not now."
Kurotsuchi smiles, sensing the underlying complexity in her cousin's words. The hot bath water continues to swirl around them, creating a soothing atmosphere that seems to ease any remaining tension.
The two women sit in silence for a moment longer, both lost in their thoughts. Suzumebachi's eyes drift closed as she leans back against the smooth rocks, her body slowly relaxing. Kurotsuchi, too, lets out a deep sigh, her gaze following the wispy clouds of steam as they rise and dissipate.
Kurotsuchi's mind wanders back to the enigmatic Malik. There's something undeniably captivating about him, a charm that goes beyond just his good looks. His mysterious past and unique abilities make him intriguing, but it's more than that.
Meanwhile, in the Kamizuru Clan Meeting Room
Ōnoki sat among the council of village elders and senior members of the Kamizuru Clan. His expression was contemplative as he listened to the various voices discussing the implications of Malik's presence in Iwagakure. The elders, each of whom had a vested interest in the village's well-being, brought up concerns and insights about the outsider who had walked through their gates.
"Malik is an outsider," said one of the village elders, his voice stern. "We can't ignore the fact that inviting him into our affairs could open us up to unforeseen risks."
"But he did save three of our own," countered an elder from the Kamizuru Clan, her tone more sympathetic. "According to Suzumebachi and her brothers, without him, they wouldn't have survived. That counts for something, doesn't it?"
A third elder grunted in agreement. "If we truly wanted to stop Malik from coming here, we could have done so at any point. We allowed his bakeries to open in our village without much resistance. The people have taken to him quickly, even if they don't entirely understand who he is."
The discussion continued, with voices going back and forth about the risks and benefits of Malik's proposed plans for the village. Some of the elders were more conservative, pointing out that Iwagakure's strength had always been in its stability and reluctance to change. Others, however, acknowledged that their steadfastness had caused them to miss some opportunities in the past due to their stubborn nature.
Ōnoki remained silent for most of the discussion, his gaze fixed on the documents before him. Malik's ideas from the Land of Snow had intrigued him. The concept of cultivating crops in harsh, rocky terrain and utilizing farming techniques suited for icy and snow-filled lands held promise. The initial economic boost from the bakeries' profits would provide much-needed resources, slowly building a stronger foundation for the village's economy.
Finally, after listening to all the arguments, Ōnoki raised a hand to silence the room. "We are all aware of what Malik represents," he began, his voice steady but commanding. "He is offering us an opportunity for growth that we have not seen in some time. Yes, he is an outsider, and yes, there are risks. But there is also potential—potential to strengthen the Kamizuru Clan and, by extension, Iwagakure."
There was a murmur of agreement among some of the elders, while others remained skeptical. "What if he uses this as leverage to control our village?" one of the more conservative elders questioned.
Ōnoki's gaze hardened. "We are not so weak that we can be manipulated by a single man, no matter how wealthy or influential he may be," he replied, his tone firm. "Malik has made it clear that his aim is to help us. And if he can provide the resources and knowledge we need to rebuild our strength, then I see no reason to turn him away. But we will proceed with caution."
The other elders of the Kamizuru Clan, who had remained mostly quiet, exchanged glances before speaking. "We agree, but we will need to observe Malik more closely. If his intentions are genuine, then perhaps he truly can help our clan regain its honor. If not…" one of them trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.
Ōnoki gave a slow nod. "Agreed. We will continue to evaluate his actions. The elders of the Kamizuru Clan will also seek to understand his true motives and capabilities. Today, we summoned him to our home. Soon, we will know more."
The meeting adjourned with a sense of cautious optimism, leaving Ōnoki to contemplate the possibilities that Malik's involvement could bring to Iwagakure. As the elders filed out, he couldn't help but think that for the first time in a long while, change was on the horizon—and with it, perhaps, a chance for the Kamizuru Clan to restore what was once lost.
As the dining room buzzed with anticipation, Malik emerged from the kitchen with an armful of dishes. He carried multiple giant platters effortlessly, balancing them with the finesse of a trained acrobat. The plates were laden with an array of delectable dishes, all infused with the rich flavor of honey. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked breads, grilled fruits, and glazed meats, creating a mouthwatering symphony that captured the attention of everyone present.
The large central table, where the Kamizuru Clan had gathered, was an impressive sight. The table itself, sturdy and beautifully carved from a dark wood, had not been fully used in generations. With the other tables pushed aside, the dining room felt expansive, and for the first time in a long while, it seemed filled with life.
At the head of the table sat Ōnoki, flanked by the other elders of the clan. Daichi had been seated further down, having been pulled into place by the sweet, yet surprisingly firm, insistence of some of the elder women who had taken a liking to him. He'd protested that he had no right to sit at the family table, but he couldn't resist their warm smiles and gentle encouragement.
Malik peeked out through the small kitchen window, observing the room. His keen eyes took in the sight of the entire Kamizuru Clan gathered together. It was clear that this moment was significant, and Malik couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. He noticed the familiar faces of the siblings—Suzumebachi and her brothers Jibachi and Kurobachi—along with Kurotsuchi seated near them. Kurotsuchi had chosen a comfortable yet stylish outfit, while Suzumebachi wore a cute dress with purple and gold accents that complemented her kimono style, and a thin ribbon tied in her hair. The brothers, Jibachi and Kurobachi, were dressed in their usual attire, looking relaxed but curious.
At the far end of the table, Ayame Kamizuru was managing the younger children. She glanced towards the kitchen window and noticed Malik watching; she gave him a nod of acknowledgment, to which he responded with a playful wink.
Malik made his entrance with style, carrying the first round of dishes—honey cinnamon rollups drizzled in golden syrup, alongside a rustic honey cake that was moist and aromatic. He made several trips back and forth, each time bringing out more food: honey-garlic chicken thighs that glistened with a sweet, spicy glaze; grilled nectarines with burrata and a hint of mint; and even freshly baked honey challah, its braided surface glowing with a light honey sheen.
The younger children cheered as the desserts were brought out, and even the older clan members couldn't resist peeking over the spread with excitement. Malik ensured that each dish was presented beautifully, arranging the plates and platters in a way that enhanced the aesthetics of the meal. Every time he set a dish down, he took a moment to compliment someone nearby, whether it was Ayame's skill in keeping the younger ones in line or Suzumebachi's lovely dress that matched the floral accents in the room.
Kurotsuchi, who had tried to keep a blank expression, found herself unable to suppress a smile as the mouthwatering scents filled the room. She thought to herself, "Shit, this all looks and smells amazing."
As Malik continued serving, he made light-hearted comments and jokes, keeping the atmosphere lively and relaxed. "I've done my best to use as much honey as possible," he said, glancing around at the many curious faces. "But I have to admit, there was so much that I'm not even sure I made a dent in your stockpile. It seems like your bees have been working overtime!" This earned him a few chuckles and some amused nods from the elder members.
Ōnoki, who had initially intended to discuss business matters during the meal, found himself too distracted by the taste and texture of the food. He took a bite of the baklava and paused, savoring the rich combination of honey, nuts, and pastry that melted in his mouth. Even the other elders who had been planning to steer the conversation toward more serious topics found themselves drawn into the enjoyment of the meal, putting aside their concerns for the moment.
"Malik," one of the older women spoke up, "where did you learn to cook like this?"
"Practice, lots of hungry people, and a bit of magic," Malik replied with a grin. "Though I have to say, having such wonderful company makes the food taste even better."
As the Kamizuru Clan members enjoyed the food, the room seemed to glow with a warmth that hadn't been felt in a long time. It wasn't just the honey-sweetened dishes or the ambiance created by the lively conversation—it was the feeling of unity and hope that was slowly returning to the clan, even if only for a meal.
Ōnoki took the moment to clear his throat. "Well, Malik," he began, setting his fork down, "it seems your cooking is as impressive as your reputation. But if we are to discuss the future of the Kamizuru Clan and Iwagakure, perhaps we should do so after we finish enjoying this meal." He gestured to the other elders, who nodded in agreement.
Malik inclined his head. "Of course, Lord Ōnoki. Business can wait for now. Tonight, it's about family—and a taste of home." He smiled at Suzumebachi and Kurotsuchi, who seemed pleasantly surprised by his words.
As the meal continued, Malik remained attentive, moving around the room to ensure that everyone had what they needed. Though he didn't sit down to eat himself, he was content to watch as the Kamizuru Clan and their guests shared the experience. For him, this was more than just a dinner—it was a step towards rebuilding the bonds that had frayed over the years.
Even if there was still much to be done, Malik could already see the potential for change in the way they spoke and laughed together, like the beginning of a hive finding its rhythm once more.
As the meal came to a slow conclusion, the younger members of the Kamizuru Clan began to leave, some of the youngest practically falling asleep at the table from how full they were. A few parents and older siblings gently carried them out of the dining room, while the older children shuffled along, rubbing their eyes and whispering to each other about the food. With the departure of the younger generation, a quieter, more serious atmosphere settled over the room.
Malik, with Ayame's help, began to wipe down the large center table, cleaning away the remnants of the meal. He made sure to bump into her playfully a few times, earning soft laughs from her, and called her "Lady Ayame" with a charming smile. She blushed a deep crimson, the color brightening with every compliment or accidental touch.
But before Malik could make her blush even brighter, Lord Ōnoki finally cleared his throat. "That's enough playing around, young man," he said, his gravelly voice filling the room. The elders, who had been watching the interactions with varying levels of amusement, turned their attention to Malik. It was clear to him that now was the time for business.
Malik took a seat at the far end of the table, ensuring he could see all the Kamizuru Clan members who had remained. The majority of the elders were still present, while some younger adults watched curiously from the sidelines. Ayame took a step back to stand near the wall, her expression turning serious once again.
Ōnoki leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Let's hear about these plans of yours, Malik. If you have ways to help the Kamizuru Clan and Iwagakure, then it's time to lay them out."
Malik nodded. "First," he began, "I want to help strengthen your village's economy by using the bees for agricultural growth. My allies in the Land of Snow, led by Daimyō Koyuki Kazahana, have been developing innovative farming techniques to grow crops in harsh environments. The Land of Snow's frozen terrain may be different from the rocky landscape here, but the principles for improving agricultural output in difficult conditions remain the same."
He paused, gauging the reactions around the table. "I know some may view asking for outside assistance as a sign of weakness, but I assure you, this is not about replacing your traditions or undermining your strength. This is about learning and adapting to better provide for the people of Iwagakure."
One of the elders, a stoic man with a weathered face, waved his hand dismissively. "Our nation has never been known for green fields and lush landscapes. We're a people of rock and stone, and we've embraced that. But if seeking help from the outside will improve our situation without compromising our identity, then it's a practical decision. We know the world sees us as stubborn and hard-headed, and we often are, but this is not a matter of pride."
Malik inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you for understanding," he said. "The changes I propose will take time—weeks, months, even years. But there are many who desire more immediate results, especially after everything the Kamizuru Clan has been through. So, I've come up with a short-term plan that will not only bring immediate benefits to the village but also restore some of the clan's lost honor."
He glanced towards Suzumebachi and her brothers. "When I first met the lovely Suzumebachi and her valiant brothers, they were on a mission to recover a lost scroll—a secret from the First Tsuchikage. The mission, as you know, was unsuccessful. But I propose that we complete what they started. Together, we will find this scroll and any other artifacts that have been lost to history. It is time to reclaim what belongs to you."
Jibachi, who had been listening intently, was the first to speak. "And just how do you plan on finding this lost scroll? We've searched for years and still came up with nothing."
Malik grinned and floated up from his seat, invoking one of his magical abilities, Super Map.
The room gasped as a massive world map materialized before them, glowing softly in the air. The map was vast, but most of it remained unmarked, with only a few known locations highlighted. Malik zoomed in closer to the Land of Earth, the detailed terrain shifting into view as the clan members watched with wide eyes. The map seemed to be alive, updating in real time as Malik manipulated it.
"With this map," Malik explained, "I can help track down the scroll as long as we have a rough idea of where it might be located. All I need is any information you have regarding the last known whereabouts of the First Tsuchikage's secrets."
The elders exchanged glances. While they had heard rumors about Malik's skills, seeing this level of magic in action was astonishing. Lord Ōnoki stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You say this map can help locate lost items? That's quite a claim. But I suppose there's no harm in testing it," he said, a faint glimmer of interest in his eye.
Over the next fifteen hours, the entire Kamizuru Clan worked tirelessly, combing through scrolls, documents, and ancient maps detailing the First Tsuchikage's travels and exploits. Elders who had spent their lives studying the history of the clan brought forth their knowledge, while younger members searched the library for any overlooked details. Malik's magic allowed them to view different eras, piecing together fragments of history to reconstruct possible hiding places.
As more information was fed into the map, the location markers shifted, converging on a narrow mountain pass deep in the eastern borders of the Land of Earth. It was a remote and treacherous area that matched the descriptions of where the First Tsuchikage had reportedly concealed certain artifacts before his death.
When the map finally settled, a hush fell over the room. "There it is," Malik said softly, pointing to a marked location. "We've found it."
Ōnoki's eyes narrowed as he studied the map. "So, this is where the First Tsuchikage hid his secrets," he murmured. "If this information is accurate, then we may indeed have a chance to restore our clan's legacy."
The other elders leaned in, their expressions a mix of hope and skepticism. The excitement was palpable, even as exhaustion from the long hours of work set in. Malik could see the determination in their faces; this was a chance that the Kamizuru Clan hadn't had in a long time.
As the clan members looked at the map, Malik spoke up one more time, his voice firm but gentle. "I promised to help you, and I keep my promises. Together, we will bring back what was lost and let the world see the true strength of the Kamizuru Clan."
Ōnoki moved with a decisiveness that had come from years of leadership, his small frame exuding an authority that even the younger shinobi could not ignore. With the location of the First Tsuchikage's hidden sanctuary pinpointed, he quickly began assembling an official mission. He selected Suzumebachi and her brothers, Jibachi and Kurobachi, to be part of the expedition. To strengthen the team further, he added Kurotsuchi, as well as another younger member of the Kamizuru Clan, a skilled shinobi named Ōsuzumebachi. Together, they represented both the future and history of the clan.
Turning to one of the elders, Ōnoki gave a nod. "Himehanabachi," he called out. "You will lead this mission."
Himehanabachi, an elder woman with a wiry frame and silver hair pulled into a tight bun, raised her eyebrows in surprise. "And you're staying behind, Ōnoki?" she asked, her tone half incredulous and half amused.
Ōnoki gave a small, wry smile. "I'm an old man, Himehanabachi. Better to leave these mountain-climbing and scroll-chasing tasks to you and the young ones." He glanced at the assembled elders, sharing a look of nostalgia. "Besides, I wouldn't want to steal the glory from you again."
The two exchanged a knowing glance, and Himehanabachi let out a chuckle, the sound rich with shared memories. The other elders also joined in the laughter, as if recalling a long-forgotten anecdote from a time when they had all been younger and spryer.
Malik watched the exchange with curiosity, then glanced over at the younger clan members nearby. "Any idea what that was all about?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Suzumebachi and her brothers shrugged in unison, while Kurotsuchi shook her head. "No clue," she replied. "It's just old folks reminiscing. Probably something that happened before we were even born."
Once the laughter subsided, Malik spoke up, addressing Ōnoki and the elders. "I understand that you're cautious, but I'd like to join the mission. I've invested in this endeavor, and I want to help as much as I can."
Ōnoki shook his head. "You have already helped plenty, Malik. Your eagerness is noted, but we all know that you are not a ninja. This is a dangerous task, and while we appreciate your willingness to earn our trust, you should stay here in Iwagakure." His expression softened slightly as he continued, "If this were some elaborate plan to betray us, it would have been a strange one indeed. You've done nothing but prove your sincerity, but we must send our own to retrieve the scroll. The mountain range is treacherous, and we need our best."
Malik nodded, accepting the decision. He understood their caution; this was a matter of honor and duty for the Kamizuru Clan, not merely a business deal. "Very well," he said. "But I'll be here, ready to support you when you return."
That night, Malik and his bodyguard, Daichi, stayed in one of the spare rooms within the Kamizuru Clan compound. The room was spacious and simple, with stone walls and thick bedding to keep the chill at bay. Despite his fatigue, Malik found himself thinking about the mission and the challenges the team would face. The First Tsuchikage's hidden sanctuary was likely filled with more than just old scrolls; traps, protective jutsu, and even natural dangers awaited them.
The next morning, before dawn, Malik was already up and busy in the kitchen. He prepared boxes of food for the team, each one filled with nourishing meals and treats that would keep their spirits high during the mission. Honey cakes, rice balls filled with grilled fish, dried fruit, and nutrient-packed biscuits were carefully packed into each box.
When the team gathered at the compound's entrance, Malik was there to see them off. "Good luck, and be careful out there," he said as he handed each of them a box of food. "And don't worry, I've put enough in here to last you longer than you'll probably need." He gave a reassuring smile, trying to mask his own concerns.
Suzumebachi took her box, nodding in thanks. "We'll bring back that scroll," she said, her voice firm with determination. Her brothers, Kurotsuchi, and Ōsuzumebachi echoed her sentiment, while Himehanabachi gave Malik a respectful nod before leading the team out of the compound.
In the days that followed, Malik kept himself busy working with Ōnoki and the other village leaders to improve Iwagakure's economy. He had meetings with the heads of various trades, discussing ways to increase production and reduce waste. Some days were spent visiting local craftsmen and merchants, finding out what resources were most in demand and brainstorming new products that could be sold to neighboring lands.
The arrival of specialists from the Land of Snow marked a significant step forward in the agricultural project. These experts brought with them equipment and techniques designed for cultivating crops in harsh environments. Working together, they and the locals set about preparing fields in an area where the rocky soil was most conducive to farming. Malik supervised the process, helping to coordinate the logistics and making sure that the necessary supplies arrived on time.
Each day began early and ended late. Malik often found himself giving pep talks to the workers, boosting morale whenever he could. He made a point of sharing meals with the farmers and laborers, bringing them food and joining them during their breaks. Sometimes, he even cooked for them himself, using his culinary magic to create hearty meals that kept them energized.
When he wasn't overseeing the agricultural project, Malik worked on expanding the village's trade networks. He set up meetings with merchants and caravan leaders, helping to establish new routes for importing and exporting goods. With the assistance of the Land of Snow, the plan was to eventually use these routes to sell Iwagakure's new agricultural products to other nations, slowly but surely revitalizing the village's economy.
Malik's efforts didn't go unnoticed. The people of Iwagakure began to see him not just as a wealthy outsider, but as someone who was genuinely committed to their well-being. More and more people recognized him on the streets, greeting him warmly. Even Daichi, whose imposing presence often deterred casual interactions, found himself approached by curious villagers asking about Malik and the strange but promising changes taking place.
The days were filled with progress and hope, but as time went on, Malik couldn't help but think about the team sent to retrieve the scroll. He wondered how they were faring in the mountains, and whether they had encountered any of the dangers they had feared. Though his hands were busy and his mind occupied, a part of him was always waiting for news of their return.