Chapter 200: The First Tsuchikage's Sanctuary
The sun hung low in the sky as the six shinobi from Iwagakure approached the steep mountain face. The path leading to the hidden sanctuary grew narrow and treacherous, cutting through dense forest before ascending sharply into the upper reaches of the mountain. Jagged rocks loomed over them like the teeth of a colossal beast. The air grew colder with every step, and the howling wind added to the eerie atmosphere.
Suzumebachi led the way, her steel-grey eyes scanning the surroundings. Himehanabachi, the elder in charge of the mission, followed close behind, her presence steady and reassuring. Jibachi and Kurobachi flanked their sister, while Kurotsuchi and Ōsuzumebachi brought up the rear. The tension was palpable as they approached what was rumored to be the sanctuary of the First Tsuchikage.
The path veered sharply left, revealing a narrow crevice in the mountainside, nearly invisible from the outside due to its natural contours and a thick veil of moss. The opening was just wide enough for them to slip through in single file. Once inside, the passage descended steeply, winding down like a spiral staircase carved directly into the rock. The air grew cooler, and the sound of dripping water echoed in the darkness, each drop magnified in the stillness.
After what felt like an eternity of descent, the narrow corridor opened up into a vast, cavernous chamber. The ceiling arched high above, supported by massive stone pillars. Light filtered in through narrow openings in the upper walls, casting an eerie glow over the chamber. At the center stood a massive stone dais, and atop it lay a giant scroll, sealed with a thick layer of dust. The scroll seemed to emanate a faint aura, as if calling to them.
Intricate carvings of bees and honeycombs adorned the walls, and the air was thick with the scent of old parchment and earth. It was clear that this place had been designed by the Kamizuru Clan for their descendants. It was not just a sanctuary; it was a testament to their legacy, one meant to be discovered by those who shared their blood.
Ōsuzumebachi's sharp gaze took in the carvings as she moved forward. "The sanctuary is protected by traps," she said. "We should assume that only Kamizuru techniques will be able to disarm them."
Himehanabachi nodded. "Indeed. We must proceed with caution. The First Tsuchikage left these traps not just as protection, but as a test."
The team set to work, using their bee-based jutsu to disarm the intricate traps one by one. The mechanisms were ancient and complex, designed to respond to even the slightest disturbance. Jibachi directed his bees to trigger pressure plates from a distance, while Kurobachi's insects disabled hidden kunai launchers by gumming up the mechanisms with wax.
Finally, they reached the last and most formidable trap, a large stone barrier laced with a shimmering chakra seal. Himehanabachi stepped forward, forming a series of hand seals as she prepared to unleash a specialized jutsu.
"Bee Style: Hive Resonance Disruption!" she chanted, releasing a swarm of chakra-infused bees. These bees moved with purpose, merging into a pattern that mimicked the structure of a honeycomb. The bees vibrated in unison, emitting a harmonic resonance that grew in intensity. The barrier shimmered, and cracks began to form as the bees' vibrations resonated with the seal's frequency. The sound reached a crescendo before the barrier shattered, dissolving into a fine mist.
Ōsuzumebachi, who had been quietly observing, let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Impressive," she remarked, her gaze shifting to Himehanabachi. "Even after all these years, your jutsu is as precise as ever."
With the last trap disarmed, the team approached the central dais. Suzumebachi's heart raced as she reached for the scroll. The weight of history seemed almost palpable as her fingers closed around the thick parchment, and she lifted it carefully from its resting place. It felt like a momentous achievement, but also a reminder of how far they still had to go to restore their clan's lost glory.
As they explored the sanctuary, the team discovered several smaller scrolls and artifacts placed in alcoves along the walls. Some contained detailed records of ancient Kamizuru techniques, while others seemed to be personal writings of the First Tsuchikage, chronicling his thoughts and experiences. Jibachi carefully collected these, knowing they could provide invaluable knowledge to help strengthen their dwindling clan.
Kurotsuchi, meanwhile, found herself feeling somewhat out of place. Up on the mountain, her earth-style techniques had proven essential for navigating the rugged terrain. But here, in the sanctuary where the Kamizuru's bee techniques were required, she had little to contribute. She watched silently as the others worked, noting their precision and expertise with a mixture of admiration and frustration. Still, she kept her thoughts to herself, determined to play her part however she could.
Ōsuzumebachi took charge of cataloging the findings, her meticulous nature showing through. "We should take everything of significance," she instructed. "We may not fully understand the value of these items now, but we cannot afford to leave anything behind."
The team spent several hours thoroughly searching the sanctuary, ensuring they hadn't overlooked anything. The deeper they explored, the more evident it became that this place had been designed to challenge not just their abilities but their determination. The labyrinthine structure and layers of traps reflected the First Tsuchikage's wisdom, testing the resolve of anyone who sought to uncover his secrets.
As they began their journey back, the atmosphere felt lighter, as if the ancient sanctuary had relinquished its hold on them. They climbed back up the winding passage, emerging from the narrow crevice and stepping out into the open air. The sunlight seemed warmer, and the mountain no longer loomed as ominously as before. Each member carried a sense of accomplishment, tempered with the knowledge that this was just the beginning.
"We've completed the mission, but we have much work ahead of us," Himehanabachi said as she led them down the mountain. "This scroll may hold the key to revitalizing our clan, but it will take time and effort to unlock its secrets."
Suzumebachi held the large scroll close, her mind racing with thoughts of what it might contain. Her brothers exchanged excited whispers about the possibilities, while Ōsuzumebachi remained quietly thoughtful, her expression revealing nothing. Kurotsuchi walked behind them, glancing back at the sanctuary one last time before turning her gaze to the horizon.
As they descended, the team's mood lightened. They had accomplished something that had eluded their clan for generations. Now, they would return to Iwagakure, bearing not just the scroll, but the hope it represented for their clan's future.
"We're going back stronger than we came," Ōsuzumebachi said as she glanced at her younger teammates. "Let's show Iwagakure that the Kamizuru Clan is still worthy of respect."
The others nodded in agreement, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. This mission had not just been about retrieving a scroll; it had been about reclaiming a piece of their identity. As they made their way back to Iwagakure, the future seemed a little brighter for the Kamizuru Clan.
Malik stood near one of the outer courtyards of the Kamizuru Clan compound, discussing plans with Daichi. He was preparing to meet one of Iwagakure's jinchūriki, hoping to learn more about how the village integrated and treated its most powerful shinobi. As Malik made his way toward the main entrance, a commotion drew his attention. The loud murmur of voices, mixed with the sound of footsteps, suggested something important had just occurred.
When he reached the entrance, he saw the returning team from the mission to recover the First Tsuchikage's scroll. They were weary but triumphant, carrying with them the large, ancient scroll, alongside other artifacts they had found in the sanctuary. The Kamizuru Clan members surrounded them, excitement buzzing in the air like a swarm of bees.
Malik approached the group, smiling warmly as he greeted Suzumebachi and her brothers, Kurotsuchi, Himehanabachi, and Ōsuzumebachi. "Welcome back! It seems you've brought more than just stories," he remarked, his eyes landing on the scroll they carried.
Suzumebachi nodded, a hint of pride in her eyes. "The mission was a success," she said. "We found the sanctuary, and the scroll was indeed waiting for us, along with other valuable relics."
Malik congratulated them all, careful not to take up too much of their time. He could see they were exhausted and had a great deal of work ahead of them to study the scroll's contents. "I won't keep you, but I'm looking forward to hearing more about what you discovered once you've had a chance to rest," he said before stepping back to allow them to proceed into the compound.
The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity for the Kamizuru Clan. The elders and younger members alike poured their efforts into deciphering the scroll, and Malik assisted wherever he could, providing resources and advice. But as the days passed, Malik knew his presence was no longer essential.
One afternoon, he sought out Ōnoki in the Tsuchikage's office. The old man was surprised when Malik expressed his intention to leave. "You're planning to go already?" Ōnoki asked, his brows furrowing. "Just when we're starting to make real progress, you're thinking of leaving?"
Malik offered a polite nod. "That's precisely why, Lord Tsuchikage. Your clan and village are moving forward. You no longer need me here every day, and I have other places where I'm needed. I will continue to keep an eye on things from afar, but for now, my presence isn't required."
Ōnoki leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with a small smile. "You say that, but I'm not entirely convinced. I have a feeling you'll still be needed, one way or another." The elder's gaze turned shrewd. "Stay a few more days, at least. I might not be able to persuade you to stay permanently, but we'd be fools not to take full advantage of your generosity while you're still here."
Malik chuckled, bowing his head slightly. "Very well, a few more days," he agreed, though the gleam in Ōnoki's eye told him that the Third Tsuchikage was already plotting to find a way to keep him tied to Iwagakure.
Later that night, Ōnoki met with the elders of the Kamizuru Clan and other influential figures within the village. They gathered in a private chamber, seated around a large stone table, discussing the benefits Malik had already brought to the village, as well as the potential he represented for their future.
"We would be wise to ensure he has a strong, personal reason to remain in Iwagakure," one elder suggested. "But we must be careful not to push too hard. While Malik seems genuinely interested in helping us, he is still an outsider."
Another elder chimed in, "Yes, but consider this: If we truly wanted to prevent him from establishing himself in our village, we could have barred his bakeries and businesses from entering our territory in the first place. Instead, we welcomed him. Now, it is up to us to make that decision worthwhile."
The conversation turned to the various benefits that Malik had offered, from economic investments to future agricultural improvements with the help of the Land of Snow. There was also a general acknowledgment that while Iwa's stubbornness had often served to protect them, it had also caused them to miss several opportunities over the years.
Ōnoki listened intently before clearing his throat, signaling that he had reached a conclusion. "If we want Malik to stay, we need a reason that goes beyond business. Something personal and binding." He paused before adding, "I suggest a marriage alliance."
The room fell silent for a moment before murmurs of surprise and contemplation broke out. One of the elders raised a concern, "Are we truly prepared to suggest such a thing? What if Malik has no desire to marry? And what of the woman involved? We should not force this upon anyone."
Ōnoki nodded thoughtfully. "I'm not suggesting we force anyone into a marriage," he said. "But it would be prudent to see if any of our own would be willing to pursue a deeper connection with him. We know he has shown an interest in Suzumebachi, Ayame, and Kurotsuchi. We should meet with each of them and see if they are open to the idea. If so, they can try to gain his favor. If not, then we will consider other options."
The elders agreed, and plans were set in motion to speak with the three women privately.
Ōnoki met with Suzumebachi first. She sat across from him in a small chamber lined with books and scrolls. "You're suggesting I pursue a relationship with Malik," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "He's certainly charming, and I do like him. I would be more than willing to try, especially if it benefits our clan and village. I know my duty, and if there's a chance for this to work out, I'm happy to make the effort."
Ōnoki nodded approvingly. "Good. Keep that spirit, Suzumebachi. You have always been strong, and Malik has shown great respect for you. If things progress, it could strengthen not just our clan, but Iwagakure as a whole."
Next, Ōnoki met with Ayame. The Kamizuru woman had a calm and collected demeanor. "Malik has been kind to me, but I don't know if he sees me in that way," she admitted. "He flirts with everyone, so I never took it seriously. But I understand what's at stake, and I'm willing to try."
Ōnoki gave her a reassuring nod. "You are not without your own charm, Ayame. The important thing is that you are willing. Let things take their natural course and see where it leads."
Lastly, Ōnoki called in Kurotsuchi. She crossed her arms and met his gaze steadily. "You're asking me to court Malik?" she said with a raised brow. "He's… not bad-looking for a short, chubby guy, I suppose. I didn't exactly plan on getting romantically involved with anyone, let alone him. But if it's necessary, then fine. I'll give it a shot, but I'm not making any promises."
The old Tsuchikage chuckled. "That's all I ask, Kurotsuchi. Just try to be open to the possibility. Malik may surprise you."
With the conversations complete, Ōnoki felt satisfied with the first step of the plan. Whether or not any of the women managed to win Malik's heart remained to be seen, but it was worth a try. If nothing else, it would deepen Malik's connection to Iwagakure, and perhaps, just perhaps, ensure that he stayed with them for the long haul.
That night, after the day's activities had settled down and most of the Kamizuru Clan compound was quiet, Malik found himself alone in one of the courtyards, enjoying the cool night air and the tranquility. It was then that each of the women approached him, one by one.
Suzumebachi was the first. She approached with a confident stride, her steel-grey eyes meeting his. "Malik," she called out, her voice carrying a tone of both curiosity and determination. "I was thinking... I'd like to get to know you better. Maybe over dinner or a walk. What do you say?"
Malik raised an eyebrow, surprised but pleased. "Suzumebachi, I'd love to," he began, "but something tells me you didn't come to this decision entirely on your own. I get the feeling someone put you up to this."
She didn't flinch at his observation. Instead, she crossed her arms and nodded. "You're not wrong. Ōnoki spoke to me about it. But that doesn't mean I'm not interested." She took a step closer, her gaze steady. "I was the one who volunteered. I admire you, and I wouldn't do this just for duty. There's more to it than that."
Malik could sense her sincerity. There was a fiery determination in her words, a drive that matched her actions. "All right, then," he said with a soft smile. "If that's how you feel, I'd be honored to spend time with you."
Later that night, as Malik was walking through one of the quieter hallways, he ran into Ayame, who had a more hesitant demeanor. She was leaning against a pillar, her arms crossed but her expression soft. "Malik," she called gently, her voice lacking the boldness of Suzumebachi's but carrying a genuine warmth. "I was wondering if you might... want to have some tea with me tomorrow?"
Malik stopped in his tracks, a hint of surprise still lingering. "Ayame, I didn't expect this from you," he replied. "But if I'm being honest, I suspect you're doing this because of pressure from the elders."
Ayame hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and approached him. "You're right. They did suggest it," she admitted. "But that doesn't mean I don't want to try." She looked up at him earnestly, her hands fidgeting. "I know I'm not as bold or exciting as others, but I do enjoy talking with you, and I think we could at least have a good time."
There was a vulnerability in her words that made Malik pause. She wasn't the type to push for things unless she truly cared. "If that's what you want," he replied gently, "then I'd be happy to share a tea and see where it goes."
Finally, just as he was about to call it a night, Kurotsuchi intercepted him in the courtyard, her expression a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. "So," she began bluntly, "are you going to keep rejecting invitations all night, or are you actually interested in seeing what happens?"
Malik blinked at her boldness. "Kurotsuchi, I—" he started, but she cut him off.
"Look, I'm not going to lie," she continued, her tone firm. "Ōnoki and the elders suggested I ask you out, but that doesn't mean I'm doing it just because they asked. I want to see what the fuss is about. You seem interesting, and you've certainly managed to make a name for yourself. So why not?"
He smiled at her straightforward approach. "You don't beat around the bush, do you?"
"Why would I?" she retorted with a smirk. "It's not my style. So, what's it going to be? Are you going to join me for a sparring session tomorrow or what?"
Malik chuckled, nodding. "How could I say no to that? I suppose it's a date, then."
That night, as Malik lay in bed, he thought about the events that had unfolded. It was clear that the elders had a hand in prompting these invitations, but the women's genuine interest shone through in different ways. It made him wonder whether this was merely the start of something deeper for one—or maybe even more—of them.
He considered the implications. If he pursued a relationship with any of them, it would strengthen his ties to the village, making him a more permanent fixture in their lives. But could it be more than a political move? He needed to figure out whether his feelings would grow beyond mere attraction and gratitude.
For now, though, Malik resolved to take each day as it came, letting things develop naturally. After all, if there was one thing he knew, it was that genuine affection couldn't be forced. It had to bloom on its own terms.