Next day,

Yuki and Manami arrive at Chio. They go to the castle where the kingdom's elders live.

Manami was in deep thoughts as she and Yuki rode a carriage to the castle.

Manami's thoughts: *SIGH* Back in Chio again.... I really missed it.... But coming to Chio means I have to face the elders who apparently are never pleased with my decisions... What can I do? They've been living in prison for all those years while Shinimi ruled Chio.... It must be hard for them to trust people and then I gave away the throne to Onee-san so THAT made them even more mad.... I know that we need their experience and wisdom... and that's why I hope that they soon accept all these changes....

Yuki: Lady Manami, we have arrived.

As the carriage stops with a slight jolt, Manami is brought back into the real world.

Manami: Oh, yeah... Lets go...

They both come out of the carriage, Manami first. Manami just stood there as she stared at the sadly unfamiliar building.

Shinimi took almost half of the castle with him during the war which was destroyed by Manami's jutsu. Later the missing parts were rebuilt but they never looked the same to Her.

Yuki: Home sweet home?

Manami smiled sadly.

Manami: I guess....

They both head straight to the grand hall where the elders usually had their morning tea.

The group of elders consisted of four members originally but one of them died in captivity.Now three of them were left behind.

Lady Yoshiko;

Lady Asuka;

And Master Sasaki;

Manami and Yuki enter the hall and bow.

Manami: Elders....

Yoshiko: Oh Manami and Yuki! It's been a while !

Yuki: You seem well lady Yoshiko.

Yoshiko: Of course! I'm a stubborn old hag just as they say! Hhahahaha

Manami smiles.

Sasaki: So what brings you here? I know for a fact that you won't show up in front of us with out a reason. (directed towards Manami)

Manami: Yes... I was hoping that you could help me with some research...

Yoshiko: You need our help? That is new.

Manami: It's really important.... It's about Shinimi...

Asuka finally averts her eyes from the shogi table and land them on Manami.

Asuka: Go find someone else.

Yuki: Lady Asuka, The king has sent us to...!

Asuka: That boy is no king to me...

Manami: Lady Asuka! The kingdom might be in grave danger and you are acting like this?!

Manami was surprised and angry at the same time.

Asuka: Why do you care so much? Wasn't it you who abandoned it in the first place? Whatever happens to it is none of your business, you leaf ninja....

Manami: I clearly didn't abandon it! I just handed it over to more capable hands!

Yoshiko: You say that with such confidence while wearing that symbol? Oh child! When will you realize that you are the best option for our kingdoms?

While Asuka had a harsh tone, Yoshiko spoke softly.

Manami touches the leaf head band tied around her waist, closes her eyes and smiles.

Manami: This symbol... is the proof of my existence. It's the symbol of my new life. I take pride in being a leaf ninja. I would never take it off! but at the same time, the symbol of kazuo clan is tattooed on my back, indicating that I am a proud Kazuo.... Chio and Arata are my precious past while leaf is my present. I cherish them both equally. You haven't seen Leaf or Sand or any other villages from that world.... You can't know what I feel....

Asuka: You can't ride two boats that are going in opposite directions at the same time... you are sure to fall in the ocean...

Manami: Then it's a good thing that I know how to swim.

Yuki smiled at Manami.

Manami: So are you helping us or not? After all... It IS your precious home. Not me but at least you should be worried about it.

Sasaki: What is it that you want to know?

Yuki: We need to find out if there is a way to bring Shinimi back.

Yoshiko: Hmm.... I wonder... There are several myths about different jutsus for bringing the dead back but I doubt any of them are real...

Sasaki: What is the purpose of your search?

Manami: The ships are disappearing... near the Black Island...

Yoshiko: So you're investigating that huh?

Yuki: You said this might have a relation with Shinimi so we assumed that maybe he's being revived.

Manami: Of course we are not sure yet but...

Asuka: Then become sure... That's exactly what is happening.

Manami looks at Asuka with wide eyes.

Manami: How do you...?!

Asuka: They'll be performing The DEMON ritual. Also known as The Rise of Pandemonium.

Yuki: Can you please explain?

Yoshiko: Asuka, are you sure? That ritual seems to be the most fake of all the myths.

Asuka: I'm not saying that it is real but according to the information we have, that's what comes to my mind.

Sasaki: Yes, you have a point. As much as I know, the ritual is a jutsu for undoing very strong seals. It can only be done in the black shrine which is on the black island. It's a very complex jutsu and takes years to prepare for. I'm sure there's a book about it in the library's forbidden section.

Manami: So... That's what the enemy aims to perform....

Asuka: Don't think of it as an attempt to bring him back.... It's far more than that.

Manami: What do you mean?

Asuka: Rise of the PANDEMONIUM. That's what it is called. The jutsu will release every last bit of dark and demonic chakra and collectively form a monster who's base will be Shinimi's soul. A monster to create true pandemonium....

Yuki: How much time do we have?

Asuka: I can't tell... You should check the book for detailed information...

Yuki nods. Both girls bow and turn to leave but Manami stays behind. She speaks up, facing the door.

Manami: Thank you for the information. It'll really help....

Sasaki: That's what we are for, aren't we?

Yoshiko: It's all in your hands now.

Manami: .....You might not believe me... but I intend on protecting this place... And... I hope you will put your faith in me.... I KNOW WHO I AM.

Asuka stares at Manami from behind.

Asuka: You can't ride two boats that are going in opposite directions at the same time... you are sure to fall in the ocean...

A smile appeared on Manami's face.

Manami: Then it's a good thing that I know how to swim...

Asuka: And what will you do after saving yourself by swimming?

Manami: I'll change the direction of the boats and make them go the same way. After all... both of them have the same destination... A world of peace.

Saying this, Manami leaves, closing the door behind.

Sasaki: She's stubborn.

Yoshiko: And so is Asuka....

Manami's thoughts: I have a path and I'll follow it. The fate that was written for me has already come to an end. Now, I write my own future and I'm positive that it's bright.

..........................................

In Library;

Yuki opens the gates that lead to the forbidden section of the library.

Manami twirls, looking at the giant shelves around her.

Manami: What was the book's name again?

Yuki: We... don't know it's name.

Manami: So basically we have to search every single book here?

Yuki: *SIGH* Yes....

Manami: I hope we survive....

Yuki: Me too.

They both begin to laugh. Just then they hear the Library's caretaker shout.

Care taker: BE QUIET!!!

Yuki: Sorry...

They both begin to laugh again but silently this time. They spend the whole day searching for the book but to no avail. After dinner, they continue searching for quite late at night and then leave to get some sleep so they can start again early tomorrow.

Yuki's thoughts: Well, no one said it would be easy to find.... I'm just worried about Manami.... If what lady Asuka said is true then... Lady Manami is in grave danger as well.... I know she's well aware of that.

Manami's thoughts: Pandemonium..... A place where demons live, Hell.... Home to chaos, lawless violence, pain and suffering... Is there really such a thing? Can it really be achieved? What will happen to humanity if it is achieved?....... Can I.... prevent it from happening?

Manami asked herself these questions as she lay in her bed, trying to fall asleep.

.................

Next morning;

Yuki and Manami head back to the library.

(time skip)

10 pm...

Manami : I found it!

Manami jumps with joy, making the piles of books around her to fall.

Yuki: Finally!

Manami jumps over mountains of books and sits on a chair, placing the book on the table in front of her. Yuki sits next to her as she opens the book.

Manami: So the book has no name.

Yuki: That's why it was so randomly placed.

Manami: Hmm... so it actually has a writer.

Yuki: I wasn't expecting it to have the writer's name. Seems like it isn't just a book of tails but actual information book on a particular jutsu. This is exactly what we need.

Manami begins reading the first page.

"Forbidden Dark Technique; THE DEMON RITUAL. This jutsu is an unsealing jutsu created by a man who existed almost five thousand years ago. It is said that the creator was in close relation with the third head of the Kazuo clan. The origin of this jutsu is not Arata or Chio but THE LAND OF WIND..."

Manami: Land of wind?!

Yuki: Isn't that where Kazekage-sama lives?

Manami: Y..yeah....anyways...

" There is no more information about the creator. The jutsu is thought to be one of the strongest in the universe. That said, it can not be used. "

Manami turns the page.

" *History: There is a story which people consider to be a myth. But those who have seen it, believe it. After creating this unique jutsu, the creator tried to perform it but failed due to uncertain reasons. Some say it was attempted to be performed on a small island not far from the coast of KINGDOM CHIO. Thus people named the rundown shrine there, THE BLACK SHRINE. Many also believe that the island and the surrounding water is cursed because demons live there. Many people have died trying to investigate this myth. The body of a man who married a Kazuo clan's member, also rests on that island. The man, before his death, intentionally went to that island and somehow succeeded in reaching it. That is where the man breathed his last breath. Some say his ghost lingers in the darkness of that island."

Yuki: That must be Shinimi.

Manami: Yes. But I wonder why he went to a cursed island to die.

Yuki: I wish I knew.

Next page:

"REQUIREMENTS: This jutsu is a very difficult and complex technique. The user must be a highly skilled sensory ninja and must have high chakra level. They must also have fire chakra nature. The jutsu can only be performed at the Black shrine because of the ancient chakra stones that grow there.

It also requires a large number of sacrifices. It is estimated that in order to make it work, several thousand people must be killed. In addition to that, the person who killed the soul that'll act as a base is also needed. A host body and finally a soul sacrifice are required. A soul sacrifice means that one such human that has not sinned in their entire life must give their soul away.

In addition to all these arrangements, the user must also collect extra chakra in a chakra stone ,present under the shrine, for at least two years. Once everything is ready, the user can cast the jutsu and using a base soul, unseal all demons and devils to create an unstoppable army of dark creatures. And once they take over the world, PANDEMONIUM WILL RISE."

Manami stops reading and snaps the book shut.

( A/N:The rest of the book has threats, warnings, methods and stuff that I won't be writing because it is too tiring)

Yuki could clearly see the frustration on Manami's face.

Manami: This is a disaster....

Yuki: Manami.... You do realize that your life is...!

Manami: I know! I know that I'm their target but so are thousands of innocent people.....

Yuki: Calm down. I'm sure we will stop them...

Manami: Here's what I think, there are some requirements for this jutsu and if we can stop them from fulfilling them then the problem will be solved.

Yuki: They can use anyone as host and the sacrifices but two people they must need are you and an angelic soul. Someone who hasn't sinned ever.

Manami: But can someone like that actually exist?

Yuki: I wonder....

Manami: But we still have no clue on who is doing all of this.

Yuki: Knowing who our enemies are would really make things easier.

Manami: *Sigh* I need to think of what we are going to do next. Lets stop for today.

Yuki: Take your time... You should have something to eat before you go and rest.

Manami: No... I'm not feeling hungry. You should go and have dinner, I'm going back to my room.

Yuki: You sure? I can bring something for you to your room...

Manami: It's okay. Don't worry about me.

Saying this, Manami leaves, with the book still in her hand.

............

Manami enters her room, closing the door behind. She throws the book on the floor and screams in frustration and anger.

She slowly opens her eyes and looks at a picture hanging on the wall. A picture of Her and Gaara when he last visited Chio. She then walks out in the balcony and stares up at the full moon and twinkling stars. Slowly, her eyes get filled with tears.

She looks at her wrist where she still wears the bracelet Gaara gave her.

Manami: Wish you were here.... You would've known what to do next.... I hope I see you soon Gaara....

After a few minutes, she goes back inside, picks up the book lying on the floor and puts it on her desk. Just then, someone knocks on the door. Manami opens it only to see a maid with a tray filled with food and a note.

Maid: Lady Yuki sent this for you, Lady Manami.

Manami smiles and lets the maid in who puts the tray on a small crystal table, right in front of the small couch.

Manami: Thank you.

The maid bows and leaves. Manami takes a seat on the couch and reads the note.

" Great ideas do not come to those with an empty stomach. Don't forget to wash your hands before you dig in."

Manami: Oh Yuki Onee-chan....

Manami lets out a small laugh as she goes to the washroom and washes her hands. As she walks past the desk, towards the couch, she gives the book a slight glance and continues walking a few more steps before she realizes something. She takes a few steps back and looks at the book again, narrowing her eyes.

Manami: That's...

Manami holds the book in her hand. On the bounded side of the book, in bold letters is written, BOOK 1 OUT OF TWO COPIES.

Manami: Now that I think about it.... How did the enemy find out about this ritual if this book was always in the library? Could it be that the other book's in their possession? If that is the case then the writer of this book may be of help... that is if he is still alive.. I'll ask the library care taker about the author tomorrow first thing in the morning....

After a nice dinner, Manami goes to bed with the same thoughts in her mind but she was relieved that she finally had a lead to trace the enemy down.

.............................................

Hi!

I'm so so so sorry about such a late update. As always I was very busy. But here you have it, A nice long chapter. Honestly this chapter took a lot of thinking because it explains a lot of things. I hope you liked it. If you are confused about anything, you can always comment or PM me. Please do vote and comment so I can know what you think of this story so far. Please wait patiently for the the next update.

Love, Mary