Chapter 15 - If I had a nickle...

Konoha finally caved and sent their Sannin to Chikagakure three weeks later. The alliance with Suna had forced their hand, and Yomi didn't mind; it just meant she got to see Jiraiya again. The three Sannin—Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade—looked around the Kage building with varying degrees of interest. Jiraiya was indeed impressed by the scale of art found here, while Orochimaru observed with a calculating gaze, and Tsunade remained indifferent but curious."Jiraiya-san!!"Yomi's excited voice echoed through the halls as she ran towards them, toppling Jiraiya over in a hug."Whoa, Yomi! Easy there!" Jiraiya laughed, hugging her back. "It's great to see you too."Yomi beamed, pulling away slightly but keeping her arms around his neck. "You finally came! I missed you so much!"Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "My, my, Jiraiya. You seem to have quite the admirer."Tsunade chuckled, crossing her arms. "He always was a soft spot for kids."Yomi turned her attention to them, her eyes widening with recognition and awe. "Orochimaru-sama, Tsunade-sama! It's such an honor to meet you both!"Orochimaru's smile widened, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "The pleasure is mine, Kamikage."Tsunade gave a nod of acknowledgment. "You've done quite a job here. The village is impressive."Yomi blushed slightly at the praise. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama. It's been a lot of work, but it's worth it."Jiraiya chuckled, ruffling Yomi's hair. "Well, you've certainly grown since I last saw you. And you've done amazing things here."Yomi grinned up at him. "Thank you, Jiraiya-san. How was the journey?"They moved to a more comfortable sitting area, where refreshments were served. Yomi couldn't help but steal glances at Orochimaru, he was kinda cute in a snakey way."So, Yomi," Orochimaru began, his voice smooth and almost hypnotic, "I hear you've mastered some rather unique abilities."Yomi nodded slyly. "Yes, why? Interested?"Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with interest. "Fascinating. Perhaps you could show me sometime."Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Don't go corrupting the poor girl, Orochimaru."Yomi laughed nervously. "I'd love to show you, Orochimaru-sama.""Yeah no, not on my watch." Jiraiya said immediately getting in between them. Yomi burst into laughter. Ok, so she had tendencies, but she was with Yahiko she wouldn't act on them. Probably.After a while, Tsunade suggested they take a tour of the village. Yomi was eager to show them around, leading the way with enthusiasm. She pointed out the various landmarks, including the newly established Shinobi Academy and the beautiful gardens that flourished underground.When they arrived at the medical facility, Tsunade's interest was piqued. "I'd like to see how your medical ninjutsu practices are developing," she said.Yomi nodded eagerly. "Of course, Tsunade-sama. We've made some advancements recently, and I'd love to get your opinion."Inside the facility, Tsunade watched as Yomi demonstrated some of the techniques she had developed. Yomi's proficiency and innovative approach impressed Tsunade, who couldn't help but offer some pointers and advice."You've got a natural talent for this, Yomi," Tsunade said with a rare smile. "With a bit more training, you could become a top-notch medical ninja."Yomi's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama." In her past life her parents were obsessed with making her graduate college early, of course she knew all this miscellaneous shit."You have a unique perspective, Yomi," Orochimaru said, his eyes never leaving hers. "I look forward to seeing how you develop your abilities."Yomi blushed. "Thank you, Orochimaru-sama. I hope I can live up to your expectations.""We have a present from the Hokage, for you." Orochimaru handed her a small scroll wrapped up beautifully."Thank you~" she said gleefully, accepting the scroll with both hands. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. "We should better head back! Yahiko and the others must want to see you!"The Sannin followed Yomi back to the main hall, where Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan were waiting. The moment Yahiko spotted Jiraiya, his face lit up with pure joy."Jiraiya-sensei!" Yahiko called out, rushing over to embrace his mentor.Jiraiya laughed heartily, patting Yahiko on the back. "It's good to see you, Yahiko. You've grown stronger, I can tell."Nagato and Konan joined them, each sharing a moment with their former sensei. "It's been too long, Jiraiya-sensei," Nagato said with a rare smile."It really has," Konan added, her usual stoic demeanour softening.Yomi watched the reunion with a warm smile. "Come, let's have dinner," she suggested, leading them to a grand dining hall where a feast had been prepared.As they sat down, the atmosphere was lively and filled with conversation. Yahiko stayed close to Yomi, his hand occasionally brushing against hers, a silent reassurance of his presence. Nagato and Konan sat across from them, engaging in light banter with Jiraiya."So, Jiraiya-sensei, how's Konoha been?" Yahiko asked, genuinely curious.Jiraiya leaned back in his chair, a satisfied expression on his face. "Busy, as always. But things are stable. We've been keeping an eye on the brewing tensions, but nothing too alarming yet."Kakuzu, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "Yomi has been doing well here. Chikagakure is thriving under her leadership."Jiraiya laughed. "Oh come on, Kakuzu, I know you do all the work secretly.""Hey! I do my own paperwork! Thank you very much!" She said, pressed. The Sanin burst into laughter and Kakuzu merely sighed. If she did all her own paperwork his life would be so much easier. As the dinner continued, Yomi excused herself briefly, leaving the group to their conversations. She took some time off to go to her room and have a look at the scroll Orochimaru had given her.A contract?She read through it briefly. A snake summoning contract?And she just had to sign it.Using her blood, she wrote her name on the scroll and suddenly a surge of chakra pierced through her body, filling her veins as an insufferable amount of pain split her mind to pieces..Kakuzu and Jiraiya continued their conversation, their voices low but filled with mutual respect."Has it gotten better?" Jiraiya remarked.Kakuzu took a drink. "It's better now, since people talk about her a lot I am reminded all the time."Jiraiya looked thoughtful. "So it gets better the more people know and talk about her. All things work out, as long as she doesn't disappear."Kakuzu's gaze softened, his thoughts unknown to Jiraiya. "As long as she remains on the path she is now, no one will be able to forget her.""But Kakuzu, I am curious, how did you both meet?"Kakuzu looked at the wine in his hands. He had asked himself the same question before: how did they meet?"I-"Yomi's scream pierced through the halls, alerting every ninja in the vicinity. Kakuzu immediately vanished, his wine glass shattering as the others took off in the direction of the scream."Yomi!" Kakuzu tried to grab her; her body convulsed; he was terrified; he could feel chakra being directly absorbed by her, but her body could not use chakra.He saw the scroll by her bedside and felt enraged, turning to Orochimaru, who arrived with the other Sannin."What did you do to her?" Kakuzu roared, his fury palpable.Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, but he remained calm. "A snake summoning contract. It should not have caused this reaction."Tsunade pushed past them, immediately assessing Yomi's condition. "Her body is rejecting the chakra. This is bad."Jiraiya's expression was grave. "She can't use chakra. Her body isn't built for it."Kakuzu's fists clenched. "Konoha will pay for this.".Yomi found herself in an alternate dimension, surrounded by fog. Before her stood a figure she did not recognise. The figure before Yomi was unlike anyone she had ever encountered. He stood tall and imposing, his long white hair cascading down his back. His gaze seemed to pierce through her, seeing not just her, but everything she had been and everything she could be.Yomi took a step back, her instincts telling her that this man was beyond anything she had faced before. His posture was serene, almost peaceful, yet there was an undeniable intensity to him. He was like shi, but too different, it scared her."Who are you?" Yomi managed to ask, her voice trembling slightly.The figure smiled softly, his expression one of understanding and patience. "I am known by many names, but you may call me the Sage of Six Paths," he replied."Tsukiyomi," he spoke, his voice resonating with ancient power. "I have a favour to ask of you."Yomi's vision blurred, the pain receding slightly as she focused on his words. "What do you want from me?"The Sage of Six Paths extended his hand, a glow enveloping Yomi. As the power surged through her, she felt a sharp, searing pain. Her sight faded into darkness..In Yomi's head, Shi was frantic. "Yomi! Where are you? What's happening?"Shi's voice echoed in the void, desperately trying to hold onto her soul. "You can't leave me! Yomi!". Back in the room, Yomi's body had stopped convulsing, but she lay still, her eyes open yet unseeing.Tsunade checked her pulse, her face a mask of concern. "She's stable, but... I don't know what happened to her sight."Kakuzu knelt beside Yomi, his hand gently brushing her hair back. "Yomi, can you hear me?"She blinked, her eyes moving but unfocused. "Kakuzu? I... I can't see. Kakuzu!"Kakuzu's heart clenched. "I'm here, I'm here, It's going to be ok.." He held on to her, she was freaking out but feeling his familiar embrace calmed her heart. But then Yomi's eyes fluttered closed again, and her breathing became shallow and irregular. Tsunade's brows furrowed as she checked her vitals once more. "She's slipping," she announced gravely. "Her body is drawing in chakra at an alarming rate, but why she's not waking up, I don't know."Kakuzu's expression darkened, a cold fury radiating from him. "Everyone out. Now."Orochimaru started to protest, "We need to—""Get out!" Kakuzu roared, his voice shaking the room. Yahiko and Nagato stepped forward, trying to mediate."Please, Kakuzu, they just want to help," Yahiko pleaded.Nagato nodded. "It's not their fault, be reasonable."Kakuzu laughed, "If it's not their fault then who's? Leave. All of you."Yahiko wanted to say something but was stopped by Nagato. The Sannin exchanged glances before reluctantly retreating, knowing it was unwise to provoke Kakuzu further in his current state. Yahiko and Nagato followed, worry etched on their faces. Konan was left at the end of the dark room, staring at the girl in Kakuzu's arms.."Yomi, please stay. Please don't leave me," Shi begged, his voice breaking with emotion.He tried desperately to hold onto her for a little longer.. Just a little longer. .Meanwhile, deep within a secluded cave, Madara Uchiha felt a strange disturbance. His newly rejuvenated body, acted erratically. He frowned, sensing the disruption in the chakra connection. "Don't tell me... that little girl got herself into trouble?" he muttered, his eyes narrowing.."You brat, you haven't paid me this week... So come back... Please" he whispered, his voice hoarse.