31 Chapter 31 (2/2)

”It's my 25th birthday, mom,” she said in a soft voice. ”I remember you told me that when you were 25, you got married to father. How I wish it is the same with me.”

Hanabi looks at the horizon where the rising sun starts to shine brightly. Just then, she saw a man walking towards her. She could recognize his scarlet hair, the way he walks, and she recognized that rhino-like mask he wears.

She stood on her feet and ran towards him as fast as she could. When she is already one meter away from him, she lifted her foot and gave him a roundhouse kick right on the head. His mask flew away from his face and the scarlet ninja could see every angle of his face. His emerald eyes, his nose, his lips and down to his chin.

”What did you do that for?” he asks. His voice rings in her mind for it has been a long time since she last heard it. But the one in front of her is not the person she has fallen for.

”What did you come here for?” she asks as she sits down comfortably on the grassy ground.

”Aren't you happy to see me?” he asks in return. ”Aren't you going to hug and kiss me?”

”No freaking way,” Hanabi growled. ”Why the hell are you in the form of rhino head, Izanami. And why the hell are you here in that form on the day of my birthday?”

The death god smiled awkwardly as he sits down beside the scarlet ninja who continued to watch the sunrise.

”How'd you know it was me?” Izanami asks who is still having Hanzo's form.

”I could sense death around you,” Hanabi chuckled for the death god failed to trick her.

”You're remarkable, eh, even after 5 years, you could still recognize the great me,” Izanami remarked.

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There was silence after that. Hanabi hugged her knees and without gazing on the god beside her, she asked, ”You said I should suffer a bit more, then 5 years already passed but why am I still suffering? Is 5 years not yet enough?”

Izanami was startled, not because of her question, but she suddenly bursts into tears.

”Why are you crying, little flower?” he teased as he pats her shoulder.

”Turn back into your original form,” she snarled.

”Why?” Izanami retorted. ”It would be more comforting for you if I have the looks of Hanzo.”

Hanabi's tears drop continuously as she buries her face on her arms. ”It's not comforting,” she said between her sobs. ”It's making me miss him even more.”

This time, Izanami really pitied her so he turns back into his original form. He caresses her hair as she cries.

”Don't be sad, scarlet flower,” Izanami said. ”Everything's going to be okay.”

”Then, tell me where rhino head is,” Hanabi cried.

”It is your job to find him, scarlet flower,” the god replied.

”I searched for him for the past years but there's no sign of him everywhere,” Hanabi replied. ”We really cannot find something that does not want to be found.”

”So, are you giving up now?” Izanami asked. ”After 5 years?”

”Maybe,” Hanabi muttered as she wiped off her tears. ”I am tired of crying, of waiting, of searching. I am tired of this pain in my chest. Maybe it is already the time to give up?”

Izanami smiled at her and said, ”Sometimes giving up is the best choice but it's up to you. My time's up, I enjoyed your company, scarlet flower.”

The god of death pats her head before he completely vanished. Hanabi stood up and rides on her horse.

Upon reaching the Shadow sect village, the chief greets the scarlet ninja by the gate.

”Chief, is something the matter?” she asks as she got off from her ride.

”Hanabi, I'd like to ask for a favor,” the chief replied.

”What is it?”

The chief brought out a scented paper and hands it over to her.

”I cannot personally go to this festival so I am asking if you could go to Osaka in my stead,” the chief replied.

Hanabi got the invitation and smiled, ”Sure thing. I could go there for a break.”

”You sure are free to do so,” the chief agreed. ”Hayabusa shall escort you there.”

”Hayabusa?” Hanabi questioned with a brow raised.

”I won't be able to attend since I have a lot of work to do,” Kagura replied who isnjust beside Chief Haruno.

Hanabi smirked and gave the Soryu Maiden a sly look, ”A long date with Hayabusa, not bad, not bad.”

Kagura glared at her and mouthed, ”Don't try me.”

Hanabi giggled at her cute reaction. She once again looked at the invitation and smiled.