Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.
Hey hey! I know it's been a while, and you've probably forgotten the plot by now.
Don't worry, that's completely fine! I forgot it myself!
Ahem!
I'm also incredibly rarely chilling in JaxWolf4's (Author of Nah, I'd Adapt and Zenin Days) Discord Server. It's a chaotic lobotomy mess. Not for the faint of heart.
Here's the link:
Disc: HrPrTeam
(Credit to QuilltedBear for the Beta Reading Labor!)
-Story Start-
-Akira POV-
Dark, still, and dreary. Extraordinarily so.
A stillness accompanied by the incessant, almost foreboding sounds of ringing bells, as if they were to announce our arrival.
Honestly, I'm no stranger to underground pathways and am privy to the not-so-secret of Konohagakure's sketchy tunnel system.
But this was rather next level.
As I walked alongside my rather high-profile entourage of Hokage, ANBU, and Might Guy himself, our steps reverberated like thunder on the metallic manmade underpass.
Even the lightest of steps, one I had tried to mask through simple curiosity, managed to send a powerful echo - no doubt a nightmare for those with sensitive ears.
And that very echo rang the frequent bells that hang on the ceiling, noting their careful separation every few dozen feet or so.
A marvel of engineering and design to make certain that no intruder, with the sole exception of flawless practitioners of Silent Step or otherwise, could arrive unannounced.
It was odd, both hearing and feeling just how loud your steps are.
It'd be even more excruciating if anyone had raised their voices.
Letting loose a silent sigh, I'd have just appreciated that they'd warn me instead of trusting my social awareness.
Hazarding a guess... It's probably a defensive design choice. If you're supposed to be here, you wouldn't try to sneak around.
Silently following the entourage in front of me, eventually, a change of scenery was immediately noticed - a singular door with a few pieces of parchment stuck on it.
What a heavy, sturdy, and overly decorated thing that was.
Gigantic, metallic, and it looked as if Tsunade herself would break into a sweat trying to push it - and that's not mentioning the seals sprinkled on top.
Due to my experience and hyperspecialization in Explosive Tags, I could only make out the fact that there was a rather complex emergency explosion seal on that door.
Some kind of barrier seal as well, according to my own recent studies that follow it.
Oh, and a Silencing Seal.
The other papers were only pieces of a puzzle I'm quite frankly underqualified to solve-
My thoughts were cut short by a foreign noise amidst the ringing bells and loud footsteps. A voice that sounded much louder than it should have been, even if it was but a whisper:
"We're here." The bear-masked ANBU stated as he approached the door. He nicked his finger gently, drawing blood which he swiftly pressed on the paper centered on the door.
The door, or the seal to be exact, seemed to recognize the blood - similar in principle to the contractual function of the Summoning Jutsu if I had to guess.
With disregard for my own theories, a click resonated, to which the ANBU began to push the door with much less effort than it seemed to need for such a colossal thing.
My only complaint...
Is the bloody sound, I am fighting the urge to cover my ears as the door slowly creaks open and the bells further along the eerie tunnelway ring like sirens.
It took incredibly long, as the door appeared much thicker than I had expected.
Finally, my quaint little torture session ended as we were greeted with a spacious metallic room with incredibly thick walls that were all decorated and lit up by torches.
At the center, what appeared to be an arena or training ground.
Attached to the walls, rows upon rows of hanged weaponry that are impressively well-kept, given that some of them appeared outdated, except for the kunai, katana, and shuriken.
In the corners were boxes of what I presume is the fuel for the torches, as well as sharpening and oiling kits for the weapons.
As we entered, I couldn't help but voice out my opinion, as the door to that awfully loud hallway closed behind us, "Looks pretty outdated. Given this is just below the Hokage's own building..." I turned to look at the indifferent Elder with a questioning look, "Is this from way back when?"
Hiruzen nodded, "These chambers were built during the village's formation." With an almost nostalgic look, he added, "It was right around when I was around your age. When the Uzumaki allied with the Leaf. The underground pathways were a joint project between the two villages."
Arching an eyebrow at that short history lesson, I hazarded a guess through pure conjecture:
...And old Leaf Wives' rumours, which are as old as this guy.
"And this is where the ANBU train?"
He shot me an amused look, "Do you really think I'd take you where the ANBU themselves train?"
Huh?
I blinked and turned around to notice even the ANBU and Guy holding back their laughter.
...
"The whole hallway and seal, and everything?" I pointed at the door behind us.
Might Guy approached me with a toothy sunny grin, "Do not be deceived, My Eternal Rival's budding sprout of Youth!" He wagged his finger as if chastising a four-year-old, "It might have USED to be where they trained! But these chambers are being kept intact and maintained for the usage of Jonin Exams and for the private usage of Jonin! Given this place was already compromised back in the Second Great Ninja War!"
Nodding with a thoughtful expression and a thumb under his chin, Guy voiced his opinion, "I have never much liked this place for training. It is much too dark and gloomy for Youth. Youth sprouts better under the light of the sun!"
Ignoring his nonsensical opinion, I replied, "So... this place's an open secret, which is not exactly the truth?"
"Exactly so! Look beneath the underneath! I see my Eternal Rival has yet to engrain his teachings into you thoroughly!" He shook his head with a mixture of disappointment and approval, as if he had won some kind of contest against my own Sensei.
He's not wrong about that. My deadbeat sensei had yet to teach me... anything really.
Nevertheless, scratching my head, I honestly looked at each person around me, admitting shamelessly:
"I find it even more of a disappointment that a bunch of adults are making fun of a thirteen-year-old kid." I shook my head, my eye twitching slightly at the unexpected inside joke of theirs.
I know they've seen better, but come on, they're adults.
"No, I guess our opinion of you was much too high." Hiruzen of all people bitingly replied with genuine mirth.
Before I could reply, he turned to Guy, "Let's get on with the experiment. I appreciate your loyalty, Guy. But you must wonder why I have called you here?"
Bowing with vigor as etiquette requires, Guy smiled, "Konoha's Sublime Green Beast of Prey is at your service, Lord Third!" He then answered with unadulterated confidence, "I have no idea as to why you have called me! But I am certain of your eternally youthful wisdom! Thus, it does not matter whether I know the reason or not!"
Turning to me, his gaze was a mixture of fiery passion and piercing.
Uh-oh.
Better change subject, "How's Lee-"
"HE FARES WELL! BUT I MUST ADMIT YOUR PERFORMANCE AND TRICKS MIGHT EVEN RIVAL THAT OF MY ETERNAL RIVAL! PERHAPS THIS IS A CHANCE FOR US TO HAVE A FRIENDLY TRAINING SESSIO-"
"I'd be uselessly ragdolled by you, so I humbly declin-"
Ceasing the nonsense, Hiruzen's stern tone caught our attention, "You can discuss training after we're done here, Guy."
Hiruzen locked eyes as the air turned cold and serious, "It need not be said that what shall be witnessed in this room is an A-Ranked Secret until further notice, yes?"
Rising up to his full height as he digested the weight behind Hiruzen's words, Guy's eyes glided between Hiruzen and me, to which he silently nodded with a thin smile.
Hiruzen gestured at me and explained, "One of the shadow creatures produced by Akira's Kekkei Genkai is capable of regenerating fatal injuries and even Physical Energy." Guy's eyes widened significantly at that short admission, to which Hiruzen continued unperturbed, "Its restorative properties surpass even Tsunade's own. However, the 'price' as well as limits are yet to be determined."
He turned to me, "That's amazing! It can heal our youthful Shinobi who had their Youth stolen from them!"
Disregarding his statement of amazement for me, Hiruzen pointed at him, inquiring, "We would like to test its interaction with the repercussions from the Eight Inner Gates - specifically from the fifth and beyond gate. From my understanding, you can open up to the seventh?"
"To the Eighth."
A cold chill went down my spine as Guy humbly stated his capability of unlocking the Eighth Gate - The Gate of Death.
The Eight Inner Gates are, even for me, a huge mystery in terms of truly how much they can enhance a person.
I got a partial understanding... rather violently, but in any case, it's a scary Kinjutsu, especially in the upper gates.
It's something that allows even a Genin to singlehandedly kill four out of seven ninja swordsmen of the Mist.
Elite Jonin.
Four of them.
By a Genin.
Now, how much of 'Genin' Might Duy was is as arguable as much as I am a 'Genin', but it's notoriously powerful enough to make anyone S Rank.
A casual statement that he is capable of ending everyone in this room, albeit at the cost of his own life.
...Actually, that's not as foreign a concept as I imagine it to be.
Guy's voice ceased my thoughts, "Alright! I'll gladly help with the experiment!" He saluted with enthusiasm, "But I must warn that there is a stark difference between the Eighth Gate and the rest!"
Hiruzen sweatdropped and immediately assuaged everyone's sudden worries, "Jonin Guy, I won't have you open the Eighth Gate."
Tilting his head, Guy inquired, "How else can we test the effects? It is vastly different!"
W-wow, that's disturbing loyalty or stupidity... or both.
Is he really considering losing his life to an "what if" experiment?
No way, right?
Hiruzen elaborated on his intentions and calmed my nerves, "I know the Eighth Gate burns through your Lifeforce. But I can't have you dying if the experiment proves to be a failure. You have enough awareness of your body, a necessity for one that can open the Gates, simply provide input as best you can supply on the effects."
Lifeforce.
Foggy term that is. It is neither the Physical Energy nor the Mental Energy that is necessary for the molding of Chakra. Or maybe it is? I guess this is the best place to ask:
"Lifeforce?"
Directing a glance at me, Hiruzen responded, "Lifeforce is a black box and the essence of many Kinjutsu. There are many theories as to what it can be, and many of them fit the term, whilst others do not. The one I personally believe through my own experience and knowledge is this."
He paused, letting the information sink in, "Lifeforce is the equivalent of the potential chakra one would accumulate throughout their entire life."
"Age has taught me that, universally, everything has a price. Even the miraculous nature of Chakra has limits to what it can accomplish. The greater the feat or 'energy' generated, the greater the cost. Do not mistake it with complexity; there is no direct correlation between the complexity of a Jutsu and the cost of its Chakra - whether a Water Dragon Jutsu or a wave of water produced by another Jutsu, should the quantity of water produced be equal, the cost remains the same, regardless of complexity."
"So the question remains, how would one, specifically a User of the Eighth Gate, generate hundreds of times more power than the sum of his body's Chakra, limitations from the prior Seven Gates removed included?"
I answered, "Lifeforce, the potential energy of his entire lifetime."
"Correct."
"But wouldn't that mean that people with especially large Chakra reserves have mind-boggling Lifeforce?"
"They would, but in my experience, I have yet to meet anyone who utilizes it except a user of the Eighth Gate itself. Anything else is a tiny by-product of Lifeforce or a fraction of it as a cost in certain Kinjutsu. It is not something I had or would ever be concerned over, given the rarity of someone opening beyond even the fifth gate. The Eighth Gate burns through the user's entire Lifeforce until they perish. One without Lifeforce, or Chakra, perishes."
I see, so the question is whether Rudolph can restore 'Lifeforce'.
Still, what is that anyway? How is it truly determined? Like, sure, let's say I have a lot of Chakra, but what if I am determined genetically to live for like, 20 years by cell division. Would that be the equivalent of twenty years? Is it directly related to Chakra? If it is, then Rudolph shouldn't be able to restore it, given he can't restore Chakra. But if he CAN restore it, what use is it except the Eight Gates? Though that would be the ideal outcome.
I sighed audibly.
For fucks sake, it's no wonder I haven't really heard about this thing; it's too foggy and generally useless.
Or so I hope, really... it'd piss me off if those old coots kept this from me. But they've never held back on my education so I guess I'm reading too much into it.
As my mind raced, it was yet again disturbed by Guy's enthusiasm, "YOSH!"
His announcement came with the instant company of howling winds, as the ground beneath him trembled. In an instant, his skin began to redden, "GATE OF CLOSING! OPEN!"
...Did he just open up to the fifth instantly? That's one potential weakness gone.
"SIXTH GATE! GATE OF JOY OPEN!" He roared out, as the howling winds grew in intensity, forcing me to hold my own ground lest my small figure be sent flying.
His face was blood-red, and his eyes were pale white with the irises completely gone; he seemed to shiver in excruciating pain as the sound of audible cracks from each section of his body echoed.
Yet not a sound of struggle left his lips.
"He's incredibly resilient," I murmured with genuine admiration.
"SEVENTH GATE! GATE OF SHOCK! OPEN!"
The howling wind grew even further in strength, as the very air became the heaviest it had ever been. The cobweb-crack on the ground spread even further as Guy's figure began to sink into the very hole he began to dig with his mere presence as a blueish aura visibly replaced his prior green one, surrounding his figure.
This time, a brutally visceral sound of rupturing muscles left his figure, and even he had to grit his teeth to the point of blood to endure it for a moment before seemingly recomposing himself.
Damn, he's hardcore.
Genuinely just damn.
Not to mention that if he truly wanted to, I'd be dead, and I wouldn't even know what hit me-
"Akira, summon the Deer. He's in great pain. Any longer and I'll have one of my finest Jonin out of commission for a few weeks."
"Right."
As per habit, my hands swiftly formed the shadowgraphic figure of a deer head, "Round Deer."
A significant dip in my Chakra was felt, followed by liquid shadows twitching and convulsing as they rapidly made out the shape of the four-eyed deer figure of Rudolph.
"Heal him." I gave the command.
Nodding, Rudolph went against the powerful force of wind that Guy exuded, with a few effortful strides, he arrived before Guy's figure.
Turning his head to look with a mixture of awe and intrigue at the Deer before him, Guy was about to say something, only to pause as Rudolph's nose touched his forehead.
The glow began to envelop Guy, as his red skin began to subside, his pained yet determined expression visibly eased, and the wind... subsided?
Everyone watched with wide eyes as the glow worked its magic and Guy appeared as if-
Guy gave voice to everyone's present theories with a toothy grin, "It forcibly closed the Gates and healed me!" He turned to my stupefied self, "What a fantastic aspect of your Kekkei Genkai! Phenomenal!" Giving me a thumbs up and a wink.
He then proceeded to kick the air and throw a few punches at a speed and force that made me, and I'd wager the ANBU around us, sweat.
Certainly, it looks promising - not something I'd expect from someone who utilized the SEVENTH Gate to feel like after.
Hiruzen turned down the enthusiasm as he cut to the chase, "The verdict, Guy?"
Meeting his gaze, Guy paused his movements, lowered his head for a moment in a thoughtful expression, "The physical injuries as a by-product of opening the Gates were completely healed and invalidated. Not even mentioning closing the Gates themselves for me."
His eyes sharpened as he met Hiruzen's eyes with a verdict, "However, the cost of Chakra for utilizing up to the Seventh Gate has not been restored. The physical enhancement gained by opening the Gates is not a passive boost; the cost is both physical and in terms of Chakra. To allow such prowess is to utilize Chakra, as you had mentioned, Lord Third, everything has a price." He lectured, as he was even more of an expert on that Kinjutsu than Hiruzen himself.
Humming in thought as he let us digest his words, Guy gave his final verdict:
"If I were to utilize this up to the Seventh Gate... I'd be able to fight not until I succumb to my injuries and INADEQUATE WILL! But due to running out of Chakra. Something I had not imagined possible to succumb to with the Gates. In essence, I'd be able to fight around TEN times longer before succumbing to Chakra Exhaustion or Death!"
He then added, "As for the Eighth Gate, I might not die but likely remain a cripple my entire life, depending on when Kakashi's Youthful Student's Deer manages to heal me!"
...
For a moment, I let loose a breath I didn't know I held and with it released Rudolph to melt into liquid shadows.
It's... better than being completely useless, but I couldn't help but reveal a smidgen of disappointment in my exhale.
"If it were capable of completely nullifying the repercussions of the Eight Inner Gates, you and Guy would have been the most powerful Team in the Elemental Nations." Hiruzen voiced out measuredly, as he had noticed the disappointment I failed to mask on my face.
"Nothing comes without a price, does it?" I smiled a wry, bitter smile.
It would have been so much easier if he could.
But I can't really do anything with an 'if' or 'could' or 'potential'.
As always, I work with what I have.
"Look on the bright side, my Eternal Rival's Youthful Student!" My head turned to meet Guy's reassuring gaze, as if he hadn't experienced hell on earth levels of pain just a second ago, "Both Lee and I can rely on your Kekkei Genkai to fight for longer to protect the budding seeds of YOUTH in our village!"
Was I being very obvious with my disappointment?
"Thanks for the encouragement. I learned a lot." I directed both him and Hiruzen, as well as the ANBU, a genuine statement of gratitude as I nodded.
"YOSH! Now I must train Lee to be capable of defeating an opponent with one single blow!"
He might not be able to reveal what he had just seen... but he can train Lee for it.
I-I thought he wasn't petty?
Hiding my genuine expression of worry, I gave him a puzzled look, "Sure... good luck with that? I'm more curious why you aren't asking me to heal him of his injuries, despite this being a secret and all, I wouldn't mind."
Rock Lee and Might Guy gossiping about my capabilities like housewives is the least likely scenario of just about anything in the world.
"An astute question! I know the pain of defeat will ignite his FLAMES OF YOUTH!" He raised a fist to the air.
"Good for him?"
Poor thing.
Turning to Lord Third, I cut to the chase, "Can I leave? I believe we have learned what we wanted from the experiment." I emphasized our mutual interest.
I'll ignore the shameless scribbling of one of the ANBU that appeared on the younger side.
"Have you reconsidered my prior request?"
Oh, for crying out loud, not this again!
"Excuse my informality, but have you reconsidered my own worries? Unless there's someone in critical condition as we speak? I think some retired Shinobi can wait a couple of weeks before getting a surprise arm or leg back, would you not agree?"
Exhaling through his nose, Hiruzen side-eyed me with clear disappointment.
Thankfully, he was patient - he was getting his healed Shinobi eventually, anyway.
Thus:
"You're excused. One of my ANBU will escort you out."
Bowing with gratitude, "Thank you, Lord Third."
With that settled, an ANBU escorted me out, whilst Hiruzen suspiciously stayed in that sketchy underground arena.
Worst comes to worst, I can be a portable medic for Might Guy to use the Seventh Gate.
But I can't really rely on that fix-all, easy solution if Rudolph can't allow him to continuously use the Eighth Gate.
A fruitful test?
I guess so...
Now, I can move on to the other important things I need to take care of, including testing out the newest addition to my team.
-------------------------------
Having nothing more to do today except training, I found myself yet again in my lonesome in Eiichi's underground training ground.
Here, an odd sense of both familiarity and peace envelops my body.
Quiet solitude.
It was almost liberating, with how, here, I could just let loose, be myself without having to worry and labor myself with the troubles I have to deal with. Troubles that, once dealt with, promise a greater future.
Indeed, temporary was what it was.
Almost a shame to admit how comfortable and nice it felt to feel that cold, coarse ground beneath me, that had truly seen better days.
As much as rest was necessary, I have to quit dilly-dallying.
Now was a great time as any, and I need to know if I can rely on him.
My Chakra was at a usable state, and, unless this cost as much as Level 3 Whiskers himself, who could merely exist for but a few seconds, I should have no problem at least testing out Tiger Funeral.
My hands joined to form the shadowgraphic handsign of a tiger head, as I muttered with purpose:
"Tiger Funeral."
A significant but not overwhelming dip in my Chakra was felt, and with it, liquid shadows began to convulse below me.
They twisted as they amalgamated in a swift, orderly fashion to form the towering and muscular bipedal tiger Shikigami.
A looming fifteen feet tall, it was a beast of bulging muscle and sharp claws with a hunched back and impressively lustrous white fur coat with black markings.
His sharp, menacing golden eyes locked onto my own.
By all accounts, he looked impressive, but the shock on my face wasn't from his appearance; I had seen it a few times before.
No, it was...
"My chakra was and is a recurring problem but you... your drain is less than Level 3 Noc And Mir?" I whispered with genuine awe.
This... I can't even.
H-How?
The initial cost surpasses theirs by just a smidgen, but the drain is roughly 45% less than theirs! A significant margin!
He's much more powerful and combat-oriented, so why is he...
I racked my brains as the Tiger silently stood with a look of perplexity that I left unanswered.
"Is it because he can't defend himself like Noc and Mir? It's an incredible defensive ability to turn into liquid or gas... that's not even mentioning Tiger Funeral's own presumable weakness to Genjutsu."
No, I was looking at it the wrong way.
Divine Dogs weren't an actual combat-oriented Shikigami.
In actuality, they were an all-rounder.
Defensive capabilities, offensive capabilities.
Support, tracking.
The works.
Even Beeflejuice is, albeit rarely usable, much more powerful and durable than they and costs less than their Level 3 Variant...
Is Tiger Funeral, with the exception of the Divine General, the Combat-oriented Shikigami among the ten?
Bah, baseless theories until I test them.
Even so, I couldn't suppress the excitement on my face, my lips lifting to form an eager grin.
This was... almost revolutionary to the current me.
This Tiger, with a possible worrying weakness to Genjutsu, was practically as powerful as I was in my lonesome, and in terms of physical capabilities, surpassed me.
I lifted my contemplative yet excited expression to meet the Tiger's eyes with my grin, "Welcome, cadet. I know your combat capabilities in general, so that won't do. I need to test your ability, so gently cut me."
A voice resonated in my mind.
A voice that... had caught me rather off-guard.
'Are. Are you sure? You will be. Cursed!' It was deep and gruff, but incredibly timid in tonality.
A curse... I guessed as much, but what is a 'Curse'? No way it's a Cursed Energy-related thing.
'Jujutsu', that doesn't really exist here, does it?
Even my own cosmically granted Ten Shadows Technique has been completely translated into Chakra.
I mean, the closest would be Faceless's own trick, but that's inconclusive in my opinion, even having seen it. But a 'Curse' would harbor harm to the recipient and not to the deliverer, right?
Otherwise, it'd be similar to the Cursed Techniques and Cursed Energy in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Shaking my head, I answered the Tiger's concern, "Can it be dismissed?"
The Tiger nodded, 'Can only apply. On single target. Or if. You dismiss me.'
I nodded, "Can it be applied accidentally, say you cut someone else whilst focusing on me, let's say?"
'No.'
I huffed, giving a more pointed and reliable question, "Explain the conditions of your 'Curse' and 'Ability'.
Complying once more, the gruff yet timid Tiger Funeral elaborated slowly, albeit accurately, the exact mechanics of the 'Curse'.
...
I summed up his words, "So basically, any injury that draws blood is considered a 'Mark' to beckon the soul, you can't curse yourself. Simply letting you swipe someone's accumulated blood won't work, and severing your 'marked' limb theoretically won't help as well... but someone lacking the fear of death can resist the last beckoning?"
The Tiger nodded at my repetition of his words to see if I had the gist of it.
Humming, I inquired, "What are you? Do you know who you are and if you are a Treasure Bearer or Manifestation?"
He shook his head, 'Don't know.'
My brow twitched slightly, but I nodded in understanding. Guess I'll try to overload his Summon later to see if he'll get his final form or not.
If I had to hazard a guess, he's probably a bearer like Jeff, given the sound of a Bell when he hurt me back in the Land of Woods.
I turned to him, "Okay, cut me. You can dismiss the Curse anyway, so don't be a scardy cat."
Hesitating at my command momentarily, the gruff and timid tiger approached, his stump-thick, clawed hand slowly lowered to my own forearm, gently cutting it as best he could.
Blood was immediately drawn, and with it-
The ominous, muffled sound of an Old Church Bell rang in my mind - once.
Humming and acknowledging the familiarity of that sound, I nodded towards the Tiger in gratitude, "Nice work thus far... Bell, yeah, that'll be your name."
He acknowledged the name as well with his own nod.
I mentioned, as I noticed my chakra getting lower and lower, having my little conversation and testing taking a tad too long, "What happens when you manage to devour an actual will be left... for later testing." The mere concept itself left an incredibly bad and uneasy taste in my mouth. "For now, I'll be testing your Genjutsu resistance with a few Genjutsu. It hadn't worked in the past on my other Shikigami, but we'll see what happens with you."
...
Droplet Mirror - D Rank Genjutsu: It worked; however, he dismissed it.
Hell-viewing Technique - C Rank Genjutsu: It worked exceptionally well. Bell began to rampage before I dismissed it.
Laplace's Hand Technique - C Rank Genjutsu: It worked; however, he dismissed it.
...So far, it is inconclusive why some of the Genjutsu I know worked well whilst others didn't, even with some rank differences.
Unfortunately, my arsenal of actual combat-ready Genjutsu is minuscule, so I can't conclude my own hypothesis.
But I can confirm this:
Unlike my other Shikigami, Bell isn't immune to Genjutsu.
Furthermore, I cannot snap him out of them.
Which forces me to conclude that he can't snap me out of them either.
The solution to the latter is simply to have another Shikigami manifested; the synergy cost reduction would work in my favor in any case.
However, his weakness is apparent and worrisome.
I must keep it as an unknown blind spot as long as I can.
For now... an incredible member has joined my team.
"This was a very fruitful training session, Bell. I will need your help soon."
'I will try. My best.' He nodded in affirmation, with an obvious lack of both enthusiasm and initiative.
Is he depressed?
Wonder what I can do to encourage him.
Never had a Shikigami like him in the past, to be frank.
So far, they'd all been... perfect eccentrics.
-------------------------------
-Third Person POV-
As the evening sun sank into the background, closing the curtains on the day and welcoming the night upon Konohagakure.
A certain, secluded, and rather notorious neighborhood had only a singular house with lights on.
Peeking through the window, one could see a young Genin surrounded by a few papers, some of which had suspicious maps of both Konohagakure itself, marked with locations alongside a map of the Forest of Death, of all places.
Said Genin was carefully scrutinizing each map with an analytical gaze, munching on a tomato and egg sandwich he had made with his keen Uchiha craftsmanship.
An almost serene scene that was abruptly disturbed by the resonating sounds of someone knocking on the door.
Arching an eyebrow, Sasuke paused in his work, "Hmm?"
He, with the etiquette fit of a formerly 'royal' Uchiha, chewed his food and gulped it before setting down the sandwich and rising from his table, his steps purposefully silent even in the empty household as he approached his door.
Arriving before it, he strode towards it with his guard up and Sharingan unleashed.
Sad or paranoid as it may be, he was not expecting any visitors this evening.
His eyes were a prized possession, especially being the Last Uchiha, and with Lord Third withdrawing his ANBU guards with his promotion to Genin, Sasuke knew he could never afford to be lax.
Peeking quietly through it, he managed to recognize his sudden visitor.
His eyes twitched as he turned off his Sharingan and opened the door with a creak and a glaring frown.
"It's honestly insane how much land from the Uchiha was seized. Did you notice that more than half of your Clan's grounds were taken away?"
"No one lives in them anyway. What do you want, Akira?" Sasuke met his, as aptly termed, troublesome friend with a sharp, distrustful glare.
"You're getting ripped off just saying. Can't an old pal visit once in a while? It's been almost a week and I've missed you! Hard at training with Shikamaru are you~?" He knowingly remarked.
Smirking, Sasuke answered, "Yes, our training is proving somewhat fruitful. But you'll have to see."
Shaking his head in disapproval, Akira cut to the chase, "I was looking for cheap real estate... after some rudimentary research, lo and behold, the former Uchiha's Clan Compound has land and buildings for sale."
Tilting his head, a hint of disgust crossed Akira's features as a visible grimace appeared, "What's even more surprising is the fact that the seller wasn't even you. How is that possible?"
Leaning on the doorframe and crossing his hands, Sasuke stated indifferently, "I have more than I can take care of. I had the Village take most of it."
"Or... you got ripped off when you were just a kid."
"Hn."
As silence overtook both of them for a moment, Akira explained, "Anyway, I'd feel wrong buying Uchiha land from a non-Uchiha, especially when it's you. So, I'd like to buy a little house from you. Just give me an honest price with a friend's discount, please?"
A deadpan expression crossed Sasuke's face for a moment, only to be replaced almost immediately by suspicion, "Weren't you gifted a house for your betrothal?"
"I was."
"Why do you want to buy one now?"
"For investment? Obviously?"
"You've earned more than a million Ryo from our last mission just recently."
"I obviously need more than that."
"For...?"
"The moment when you think you have enough money and get complacent, is exactly the moment when reality slaps you and you discover that you actually need more money."
"And what happened in that 'moment' that you need all that money for?"
"...Are you gonna help a pal?"
"And here I thought the Dobe was shameless. You think you can just ask for my help with how much you trust me, as well as after sending the Dobe to me regarding that Uzumaki girl?" Sasuke shook his head in transparent disappointment and...
He bitingly and candidly remarked, "Consider trusting us. And maybe then I'll consider even dealing with you honestly." Without further word, he slammed the door with a loud, painful close.
Leaving Akira out alone to dry.
-------------------------------
-Akira POV-
Walking the walk of shame as the day was coming to a close is something I'm relatively used to, and I can't really blame him for how he's feeling. I'm a little ashamed as well, but I can't really let shame stop me.
Still... his words still sting a bit, I can't lie.
Conceit or not, I need to press on; it'll work out.
I expected the... isolation, pressure, and doubt.
I can't fall here, not from something as trifling as this.
DETA-
No, face it.
I sighed to compose myself, although it was getting harder by the day.
Clan Exclusive Bingo Books could have really helped, and I didn't even get the chance to ask him for those.
And if I were to get that cheap real estate, that'd have been even better.
Really would have killed two birds with one kunai there, but I guess I'll have to get that secluded piece of real estate somewhere else.
It was an interesting discovery - the fact that each Clan has little tiny notes regarding the individuals that usually or don't even appear in the Bingo Books.
Since they are publicly available, Bingo Books allow those listed to know which cards of theirs are known or unknown.
As a safe measure, it's best to assume that anything that anyone had seen would be public knowledge, or so I was taught, but some might presume that tricks they showcased that aren't listed on the Bingo Book may be unknown and utilized. It's these careless individuals and cases when these clan-exclusive Bingo Books come into play.
Some have faced notorious individuals and come out alive, or severely injured, giving information that is kept private to catch the opponent off guard.
There are levels to this, however, with Clearance Levels dividing the amount of information depending on the Shinobi in question.
On the Village level, anyway - I don't have that kind of clearance, so luckily there's also the Clan's own private notes.
Unreliable but could be useful.
I need to prepare, and so far, I have the general public Bingo Book that any Leaf Shinobi can get their hands on.
Through both Noc, Mir, and Whisker's own reconnaissance so far, I've managed to make up a list of individuals that I need to be careful of regarding ALL the participating Villages that I should be wary of, Chunin level and above.
Now, I just need to collect as much information as possible, as much as I can discern about their known bag of tricks, so I can prepare accordingly.
I'm not fighting all of them, obviously, just know who I am dealing with and who I can potentially take on myself.
As for the rest?
I'm not alone. The Village will fight to protect itself, will it not?
Of course, increasing the odds is my job, given my knowledge of the future.
Yes, it's my responsibility and mine alone.
'Do not succumb. To your own. Conceit.'
'Don't lecture me and continue your observation, Whiskers. I got your message well enough. If conceit is what wins this for us, let it be.'
'If a single. Battle results in. Victory. Yet a thousand. More result in. Defeat. Would your Conceit. Be acceptable. Then?'
I let silence answer that question for me.
-------------------------------
-Third Person POV?-
Yoroi Akado was like any other Elite Genin of Konohagakure in his late teens.
Disciplined and well-kept, he had a routine he followed religiously.
A routine that had only presumably a few tweaks, given that this Genin was a prospective Chunin set to participate in the final tournament to prove himself worthy of the prestigious title and ascending in the most exalted way.
Promotion through Mission Points? He wouldn't stoop so low to beg for scrapes when he can utilize his skills to prove himself to the village he held so dear.
6:05 AM.
He woke up early to his alarm, in his rented single room apartment in the outskirts of the village, real estate owned by an Aburame-backed Civilian merchant.
A quick shower and self-grooming before he dressed himself.
Each time before leaving, he'd take a moment to open the window of his fourth-floor apartment to take in the mediocre view beyond his bedroom window of Konohagakure.
And each time, he'd curiously notice a little rabbit on top of a roof or street.
Every day, it was in some different spot.
Every day, he saw it.
It never looked at him.
Without further prompting, he would head off for breakfast in a local small diner in the street he lived in.
Charred eel with a side of rice and miso soup was his usual go-to. If he were to have a bad day yesterday, he'd usually even treat himself to a nice fatty piece of salmon early in the morning.
After finishing his routine breakfast, Yoroi would head off to train in the publicly available and rather crowded Training Ground One.
2:30 PM.
Yoroi always made sure to progressively overload in every aspect of his training, yet his training was done alone, with the occasional challenge of a younger, weaker Genin to defeat.
Gaining a vast ego boost, but he still somewhat kept his cards to his chest, whatever they were.
Even there, he couldn't help but notice a rabbit or two hopping through the forest every day.
The rabbit population was quite high, but maybe it was thanks to the forest, right?
Every day, he saw them.
They never looked at him.
Following his sweaty and laborious training session, Yoroi would routinely head out to relieve himself, as if his own body adhered to his routine, in the nearby forest before he headed out to one of three places chosen depending on his whim and mood for lunch.
A Yakiniku place.
A steamed dumpling place.
And a tad more expensive Akimichi-owned bakery if he was looking to get higher blood-sugar levels.
Sitting alone as always as he dined, Yoroi always seemed to miss the sight of a rabbit or two hopping outside.
Every day, they were there.
They... never looked at him.
...
Yoroi's routine was nothing extraordinary.
Monotone, almost robotic in nature, it was... a lonely routine existence.
With only a few notable exceptions that occurred once every week.
A Team Meeting.
And a questionable meeting in a shady building in the corner of Konoha.
They all happened on Sunday and Monday, respectively.
And today, I couldn't help but note... it was a Tuesday.
-------------------------------
-Third Person POV-
Yoroi couldn't help but feel uneasy ever since early morning.
It was a strange feeling, truly.
Lately, these past three weeks to be exact, he's been seeing rabbits almost every day.
Practically everywhere.
Konohagakure was a forest village infested with rabbits; it wasn't uncommon to see one.
But to see them every day?
It was peculiar.
The thought that they were the rabbits belonging to that one Nara Akira, who had been the target of an intrigue for his true master Orochimaru, crossed his mind.
'But why would he target me?' With that thought, the theory had flown out of the window long ago.
Yet today...
In the morning, as he looked upon the breath-taking light-basked village, he noted one rabbit yet again on a rooftop.
It was... looking at him.
For an instant.
Nay.
For a few seconds.
Before turning and resuming to stare into practical nothingness, as if they had not locked eyes a moment ago.
It was disturbing.
Yet Yoroi dismissed it.
Strange as it was, it had not been incriminating.
Wiping the sweat from his brow with his forearm, he hadn't noticed any rabbits in the forest today, but that's fine.
He usually notices them when he goes to relieve himself anyway.
Striding leisurely away from the spacious and racket-filled Training Ground, Yoroi's figure disappeared into the forest, as he stood before the usual tree he liked to relieve himself on.
Yet again, no rabbits were seen.
Relieving himself, he let loose a sigh of bliss anyone could relate to.
A sigh of relief that was followed by a sudden, sharp pain and darkness.
Total darkness, as his consciousness faded instantly.
-------------------------------
Yoroi awakened to the feeling of icy cold water sprayed onto his face and figure.
Panic and adrenaline coursed through his veins as he immediately went into fight or flight mode, his muscles and body convulsing to move, to get away.
However, he found himself unable to do so, as he was tied tightly by a thick rope and his hands chained with heavy-duty metallic cuffs to the cold wall he was leaning on.
Like a helpless worm, he slithered with all his might, attempting to wiggle his way free, yet his effort was for naught.
His eyes noted the dimly lit, musky room in which he was chained.
The conclusion that he had been kidnapped hadn't been lost to him, and before he could shout for assistance or even notice the assailant, his eyes and ears were drawn to the individual beside him.
"Say, Yoroi. Before I squeeze the information on that special Jutsu of yours out of you."
His eyes widened in a mixture of recognition and genuine, trembling fear.
As he met a playful, cold, dark emerald gaze with his own dark, trepid eyes.
"A thought crossed my mind, a proposition and possibility given my abilities, if you may, that I might have to enact for the sake of my plans... but I hesitate, you know? It proved too cruel, too sinister for the little or perhaps great gain it will grant me. I even told myself that there are some lengths I would never go to, no matter what the gains."
He slammed his hand to the wall with a soft chuckle, "I swore to myself even!"
"But, yet again, I find myself hesitating when faced with the actual choice right in front of me."
He seemed to go on a tangent, as he genuinely poured his frustrations and worries on the kidnapped Yoroi, much to his bewilderment and mounting anxiety, "So it got me thinking, philosophically if you will. And I'd like to hear your thoughts, maybe it'll help me avoid doing it."
"What would you consider the greatest sin of all?"
To Be Continued!
-Author Note Start-
Hello, this is BurgerNoUploads.
Been a while, huh?
Well, if you're reading this and still remember the plot, congratulations! You know more than I about this fic!
Thanks for reading and your infinite patience.
My words and trust value is probably empty as of this point in terms of when or how I'll update. But if it'll update, I guess you'll know? Given your reading this and all.
Appreciate your time, effort and patience and as always comments as well as constructive critcism (Minus my schedule since it can't be helped) is always appreciated!
Hopefully I'm not too rusty!
Cya and love ya!
Bu Bye!
-Down here is the copy paste stuff-
As always people! If you see any inconsistencies, wrong information, Illogical statements, etc... Notify me, please! I'll fix it ASAP! And or explain it later on in case I had planned to make it vague in the first place.
Also, all comments, reviews, constructive criticism and so on Are much appreciated! I especially love Constructive criticism because it allows me to improve the story in real time! I try my best to follow your advice!
I enjoy responding to you all! So do send them comments! Also, ideas are also welcome! I'm not that creative so assistance from you guys is always nice! Yup!
I hope you lovely people have a fantastic rest of the day/week. And I'll see you in a week's time or so :P
No fun fact :(
-Author's Note End-