I'll be back, save these missions for me.
I can't hold them for a day.
How about fifteen minutes?
Ok, I'll wait here with these two missions but if you aren't back within the timeframe I'll have to give them to other ninja.
I understand.
Dante walked out of the building and sprinted towards the Yamanaka clan compound.
I was planning on getting Remi's help tomorrow but I can't miss this opportunity.
I just hope she's home.
As Dante dashed through the streets, he noticed someone was running after him.
Dante didn't stop, he kept running until he got to the Yamanaka gate.
He then turned around, he was being followed by someone he didn't recognize.
Hey, why are you running away from me?
I have your payment from the hokage.
I wasn't running away from you, I'm just in a hurry.
Yeah ok...
Here this is your payment, he handed Dante a stack of money.
At first glance Dante noticed it must be over five thousand dollars.
Thanks and here take this as an apology for the trouble. Dante handed the ninja two hundred dollars.
The ninjas face brightened up. It was no trouble at all. Even though he said that he still took the money....
Dante then walked up to a Yamanaka guard.
I'm here to see Remi Yamanaka, she should be expecting me.
Dante the clan head has informed us about your arrival, go ahead inside.
Dante nodded at the guard and walked in.
He wasn't surprised about the guard knowing his name, after all he requested a joint meeting between the Yamanaka, Nara and Akimichi clans.
He then made his way to Remi and Agui's house.
Once there he knocked on the door. After a while he heard movement inside. A couple seconds later someone opened the door.
It was Agui.
Dante what's up? My sister said you would be coming by within two days. We didn't expect you to come so soon.
Yeah, I was going to come by tomorrow but I need your sister sooner than expected.
Need my sister? What for.... You better not be trying anything with her....
Haha, it's not like that. I just need her squad to take me out on a mission.
Agui, who's at the door?
Dante heard Remi calling from the kitchen.
It's Dante, he's here to speak to you.
Oh Dante? Let him in...
Agui walked back to the kitchen and Dante followed closing the door behind him.
While they walked to the kitchen Dante asked Agui if he's participating in the new academy program.
Yes, I am but it's a bit difficult to find ninja that aren't from the clans to take us out.
They seem to be worried about accidents happening. If one of us were to die, they think they will be blamed and they don't want to take that risk.
Hmm, have you tried paying them?
We can't, it's against the rules of the program. We aren't allowed to use any clan resources.
Oh, I didn't fully read the clan part, I just skimmed over it since it doesn't have anything to do with me.
So, what will you guys do?
Dante, you're here early. What are you two talking about?
About the new academy program.
Oh, Dante did you already know that was going to happen?
Remi asked as if it was a question, but Dante knew she was just confirming.
I did, I asked the hokage for something like that.
That's strange, why would the hokage grant you that request? Remi asked.
Dante didn't answer. A second later Agui spoke up.
Take said he would try to find ninja to take us out and Haro said he would ask his brother if he knew any ninja that would take us out. I'm here to ask my sister the same thing. We were talking about it before you got here.
Is that why you're here Dante? To ask if my squad will take you out?
Yes, that's what I'm here for. I have two C-Rank missions waiting for us at the hokage tower.
One is to escort a merchant to Telen and back. The other is a bandit extermination mission, requested by the same village.
We will have to leave today and we have seven minutes before the receptionist puts them back up as available.
So what do you say? Do you want these missions?
That doesn't give us any time to prepare.
I still have to inform my squad.
Let's just go accept the missions and inform your squad right after.
Consider it doing me a huge favor.
Further more, I'll get some ninja to take Agui and the others out on missions.
Dante, how will you do that? Asked Agui.
I won't lie, it's pretty difficult to convince a ninja to take a clan kid, not even out of the academy on a mission but I know a couple of people who would do me this favor. At the very least they will agree to take you out on one mission. You will have to prove you won't be a detriment if you want them to take you out on more.
So Remi what do you say?
Ok, fine but my squad won't like the short notice.
They'll like the easy pay from these missions, besides with me joining they won't have to worry to much about being injured.
What do you mean by that? Do get arrogant Dante, anything could happen out there.
Oh, you guys don't know? I have a medical jutsu, so even if someone gets stabbed, I can heal them before they bleed out.
Remi and Agui were both surprised, they hadn't been told that by Inoichi.
Alright Dante, let me change to my ninja gear and I'll meet you at the hokage tower.
You go ahead and make sure the receptionist doesn't give them away until I get there.
Alright, I'll wait there for you and once we have the missions I'll go get Agui and the others sorted with a squad each.
Everyone agreed and Dante ran back to the hokage tower.
Remi spoke to Agui after Dante left.
Go inform Inoichi, tell him my squad is taking Dante out on missions and we won't be back tonight and then go inform my squad to get ready for an escort mission and a bandit extermination mission. Tell them to prepare a weeks worth of rations for, four people and tell them to meet us at the village gates.
After that you meet us at the hokage tower.
Remi then went upstairs to change into her gear.
Agui ran outside in the direction of Inoichi's house.
At the hokage tower Dante was speaking to the the receptionist.
Hello, do you still have the missions?
Yes, but I can't delay any longer. If I don't send someone within the hour the client won't be happy and I don't see a squad with you.
I have a squad, they will be here soon. They just need to change to their ninja gear.
Ok, I can wait another five minutes but no longer.
Thanks.
Five minutes later no one appeared. Just as the receptionist was putting calling over an ninja.
Remi entered in her ninja gear and walked up to Dante and the receptionist.
Laura, I'm here to take Dante here on these missions.
Laura, the receptionist looked towards Remi.
Oh Remi, you're just in time.
That's good Laura, my squad and I will take these missions. My squad is waiting at the village gate.
Laura motioned the other ninja away.
Ok, Remi.
Here are the missions details.
Remi took the details of the missions.
Thanks Laura.
Remi then walked out with Dante.
They started walking towards the village gate.
Dante looks like you have less than an hour to find squads for my brother and his friends.
Don't worry about that, I'm sure I'll find someone.
Speaking of....
Dante trailed off the path and went up to a ninja.
Hey, I need a favor. There is this new academy program that allows academy students to go on missions.
Oh hey kid, thanks for the healing.
Yeah, I know about that. Do you need me to take you out?
I appreciate it but no. Well not me, I need you to take a friend of mine.
Alright who is it?
His name is Agui Yamanaka.
Whoa, whoa... That's a kid from a clan. That's a lot of trouble.
I know what I'm asking, but think of this as an opportunity. The clans want their kids to go out, otherwise they wouldn't allow them to participate. So if you take one out there is no doubt the clan will see you more favorably. Think about it, we are only allowed to go on missions inside the land of fire. So the risks of one of them dying is really low and on top of that your squad will be there to protect them. Even if they do get hurt there won't be an issue with the clan. They will at worse complain to the hokage and at best they won't say anything.
I don't know... There is still the possibility that the clan will target me and my squad members. After all we're all civilian ninja.
You're not wrong to be concerned, but you have to have some confidence in yourself.
I'll ask my squads opinions and get back to you.
Ok, but I can't promise that I won't find another squad.
After saying that Dante started walking away.
Remi heard the entire conversation. As Dante was walking away the ninja stood still and didn't move. He looked like he was putting serious thought into it.
Haha, Dante looks like your plan failed.
As Remi was laughing at Dante the ninja spoke up.
Wait! I'll do it.
Remi abrupt stopped laughing and her laughing face turned to shocked.
Dante smiled at her and turned around.
That's great. I promise there won't be any problems.
By the way, my name's Dante.
Yeah, I know. We asked the hospital who it was that healed us.
My name is David, I'm a chunin and to be clear. I'll do this for you, the potential connections are great don't get me wrong, but you save my family. If it wasn't for you I would be out of commission and my family would suffer because of it. So I'll convince my squad to take the kid. We already have a mission to go to so have him meet me at the hokage tower.
Alright David, if anyone gets seriously hurt ask for me at the hospital or come and ask for me around the senju compound. I'll personally heal them up.
Also, do you know anyone else who would take another two academy students?
If you can tell them it's a request from me and I'll owe them a favor.
There are a couple ninja that you healed that want to pay you back and I know a couple of them. I'll ask them, but I can't guarantee anyone will take a clan kid.
How about you tell them, next time they get injured to just go to my house and I'll heal them for free and don't forget to mention the connections they could make from taking them.
Alright Dante, I'll be waiting for Agui.
Have the other kids meet me there, I think the other ninja will be more inclined to take them if I mention free healing or a favor from you.
Ok David, I'm going on a mission so I'll trust you to get squads for them too.
I'll get it done, if I manage it you'll owe me big time.
Of course David, nothing you do for me is for free. So you can count on me to pay you back one way or another.
At Dantes words, David was more determined to get this favor done. He's been a chunin for a couple years and he had a feeling Dante would reach Jonin at the very least.
Dante walked back to Remi and they both walked towards the village gates.
David went towards the hokage tower.
Before Dante and Remi reached the gate Remi asked Dante. Are you planning on leaving dressed like that?
You know you can buy some combat equipment from a shop, usually they wouldn't sell you any but since you have that armband you should be able to buy something.
That's a good idea, I forgot about that.
Come on, there is a shop this way.
At a nearby shop, Dante walked in with Remi.
Welcome, what are you looking to buy?
The shop keeper, was surprised to see Dante, but he stayed professional.
I need some combat gear.
Alright, we have combat sandals in stock and we can outfit you in some clothes that won't restrict you. As far as vests go, I can't sell you one. They are issued out to chunin and jonin.
Ok, that's fine. Get me some clothes and sandals and also get me some shurikens, kunai's and bandages.
Do you sell chakra pills here?
Yes, I do but those are more costly.
How much?
Each one is 500 dollars.
Ok, get me two of them.
Oh, and get me two identical swords.
Do you have a preference on the length?
Anything is fine, they just have to be identical.
The shop keeper went into the back.
Dante, do you need some money? I can cover this for you and you can pay me back later.
No need Remi, I got some good paying work recently.
Working at the hospital?
Yeah, the hokage had me heal some ninja there and he paid me decently well.
Honestly I think I can ask for more, but I don't want him to try to shackle me there.
Haha there is no way your healing jutsu is that good.
Dante didn't explain anything to her, if things went wrong on his missions she would see it first hand.
So how confident are you that David will get your favor done?
I think he will try his best, it's a difficult thing to ask of civilian ninja, but I'm about 80% sure he will get it done.
80%? Why so high?
I told him I'll owe him a big favor and I told him to let others know I'm offering free healing.
Remi noticed Dante kept leveraging his healing and thought it actually might be really good if he can get ninja to do him favors for free healing with his jutsu.
The shop keeper returned with the items Dante requested.
Here you go. These clothes are more resistant to tearing and this vest can be worn under your clothes. It won't stop stabs, but it will resist cuts.
These sandals are what ninja wear, there is no restriction on selling them and I was able to find these two short swords. You got lucky, they are the last identical pair I have in stock.
The clothes total are 250 the vest is 500 the two swords are 2000, the two pills are 1000 and a stack of shuriken and five kunai are 1250. Your total is 5000
Dante took out his stack of money and counted it out. He had 8000 total. He gave the shop keeper the 5000. Leaving him with 3000.
Is there somewhere I can change?
Sure thing, this way. The shop keeper lead Dante to the bathroom.
Dante quickly changed into the combat gear. He was pretty sure the clothes were just regular clothes and the shop keeper was lying to him, but the vest at least looked like it provides a bit of protection and Dante was in a hurry to leave so he didn't say anything. Besides what he really came for was the weapons and chakra pills.
He could always go to the hospital again and heal some ninja.
Dante came out, he was wearing a black skin tight shirt and he decided to put the vest over it. On his legs he was wearing army green semi tight pants and the sandals.
Dante thought about it and decided he would find close toed footwear later. He wasn't a big fan of open toed footwear for combat.
On his back he strapped the two swords and on his waist he had a ninja pouch where he put his shuriken and kunai.
Alright Remi I'm ready, let's go.
Thank you for your patronage!
On the way to the gate Remi spoke.
Dante, you know those are regular clothes, right?
I suspected that, but if you knew. Why didn't you say anything?
Well, it's not my place to speak up about that. If you didn't want to get scammed, you should have said something....
I just didn't want to spend anymore time there, we have a deadline.
Yeah, I sure...
Once they got to the village gate, Agui was there waiting for them.
Agui, get your gear and meet a ninja named David at the hokage tower and if Take and Haro haven't found anyone to take them on a mission. Go by and tell them to prepare themselves for a mission and meet you at the hokage tower, Said Remi.
Eh? What's going on sister?
Just do as I said, Dante you up with a ninja squad to take you out on a mission and make sure you're not a hindrance if you want them to take you out more.
Now, where is my squad?
They'll be here soon, I already informed them.
Oh, they're here. Agui get going, don't make David wait to long for you guys.
Ok, thanks Dante.
Don't mention it, that's what friends are for.
Remi, what the hell!? I thought you said we weren't taking missions for a couple days...
I made plans with my wife and kid....
Oh, shut up Kay. Be glad we're going out early. That way you have some money to support your family.
Dante, these are my squad mates.
Kay Akimichi and Issa Nara.
Kay was a man about 5ft 10inches, black hair and brown eyes, wearing standard chunin gear.
Issa was a woman about 5ft 6inches, black hair and grey eyes.
Kay, Issa, this is Dante an academy student. We're taking him on these missions.
We can't do that, how will we explain taking an academy student to a mission? Asked Kay.
It's a new program the hokage just implemented. Don't worry, I've already read through the program. As long as we don't take him out of the land of fire or on a B-Rank mission, we'll be fine.
Alright, but why do we have to babysit some kid?
Kay, let me finish!!
I was getting to that!!
Kay, backed up a step. Well you don't have to yell, you can just speak normally....
Remi took a deep breath..... You're right Kay...
Now as I was saying, we're taking Dante because we'll get some extra money for the mission. It will be paid out by the village.
Extra money? Kay's attitude made a 180 turn.
Alright let's go, I told my wife we'll be back in a couple days.
Kay walked out of the gate.
Remi went after him.
Kay, we still have to greet the merchant, where are you going.
Oh, an escort mission? Alright lets go see him.
Issa was left with Dante.
Issa walked towards Dante and looked up at him.
So.... You're an academy student? Are you an Akimichi?
Aren't you too big to still be an academy? Even if you flunked a couple years, you should give up on being a ninja. Remaining in the academy at your age is kinda weird and embarrassing....
I'm not an Akimichi.....
And what's up with the horns? Seriously, your too old for the edgy look.
Issa then jumped up and grabbed Dantes horns.
When she latched on she pulled him down.
What? How committed are you to the edgy look? Did you glue them onto you head?
Issa was pulling on his horns. She caught Dante off guard, but once his surprise ended, he stook up firm.
Issa was still holding his horns and she was lifted off the ground.
Ahh....
Her face went up to his and her lips pressed on his.
They were both surprised, they were making eye contact. The surprise on Issa's face faded quickly and was replaced with anger.
She kicked off his chest, did a backflip mid air and kicked him on the chin.
Dante was still surprised and didn't move.
After he was kicked, he took a knee. Not because he was kicked but because his body was going through a transformation.
Issa was standing in front of him, the anger on her face quickly changed again. She looked concerned now.
Hey, are you ok? You caught me by surprise, I didn't mean to hit you so hard....
Dante looked up.
His chin was red and it was scratched up.
I'm fine, I just need a minute....
Issa walked up and grabbed his face.
I'm sorry, here I'll put on this ointment for you.
Dante's body wouldn't listen to him, he couldn't control it. It reminded him of his past life..... Then he figured it out. He was going through puberty, he would often forget. This body even though it looks like an adults, it's still twelve years old.
Damn.... I thought I didn't have to go through this since my body already grew.
Issa was finishing up putting the ointment on his chin.
Alright Dante I'm done.
Sorry about that, you surprised me with the kiss. We're about the same age, so I'm not opposed to dating you. Let's go, looks like Remi and Kay finished talking with the client.
Dante didn't move.
Hey, what's wrong? Let's go we're leaving.
I'll catch up, I just need a minute. Dante waved her off.
Remi looked over and saw Dante on his knee, waving Issa off and she made her way there.
Dante, Issa what are you two doing? We're leaving, let's go. We have a lot of ground to cover.
Remi, then noticed Dante's chin and walked up and grabbed his face.
What happened to you? Looks like you fell down on your chin.
Remi was face to face with Dante.
He was looking into her green eyes. He noticed how beautiful she actually was. Before he only thought how she was pretty, but up close he saw her full beauty. He closed his eyes, fighting for control of his body, but her smell wasn't helping.
You smell nice, Dante muttered.
Huh? What are you saying Dante?
Dante snapped out of it.
Nothing, I just need a minute.
Issa what happened, why is Dante kneeling? And what happened to his chin?
Well... We were speaking, and I tried to take off his fake horns, but they wouldn't come off.
I think he glued them on.... Anyways, long story short, I kinda, sort of, kicked him on the chin....
Why would you do that? Didn't I tell you, he's an academy student!
Yea, but he doesn't look that hurt. I only hit him once and I didn't hit him that hard.
Issa, your a chunin and he's just a kid....
Yea, but he's only a kid because he's still in the academy.
Issa, what are you talking about?
Nevermind, I doesn't matter.
Dante, can't you just heal yourself with your jutsu?
Kay was with the client, he looked over and saw Dante on his knee and Remi was grabbing his face.
He told the merchant they needed an extra minute before leaving. The merchant wasn't too bothered.
As long as we leave soon. Remember I need to be at Telen by tomorrow afternoon, otherwise I'll have to report your mission as failed.
Don't worry, we'll make up the time. I guarantee it said Kay.
He then walked over to Dante and the rest.
Hey! What are you all doing? We have to go! Right now! There is no way I'm failing such an easy mission....
Kay looked at Dantes face and saw his chin.
Shut up Kay, Issa kicked Dante on the chin.
So what? He looks fine. He'll be healed by tomorrow, let's.....
Everyone, I said I'm fine. I just need a minute.
Dante we've been here for a minute already said Remi.
Two minutes said Issa.
I mean I need a minute alone....
Alone? What for? Asked Remi.
Kay then noticed something.
He's not hurt, but he's taking a knee. A single knee. Not on both knees or laying on the ground.....
Remi, Issa. Let's leave him alone for a while.
He'll be fine. He then made eye contact with Dante.
Dante knew instantly. Kay understood the situation...
Alright, Dante. One minute, if you don't get up by then, we'll have to leave without you.
It's fine, I'll just catch up.
We have to clear you with the gate guards in order for you to leave with us.
So, one minute. Or we're leaving without you said Remi.
Oh, ok. I'll be good.
Remi, Issa and Kay walked towards the client.
Kay nodded at Dante and Dante nodded back.
Remi noticed that.
Kay, do you know what's wrong with Dante?
Of course I do.
What is it? Tell me.
Uh umm well you can ask him later.
Why don't you just tell me now?
If he's injured and not telling me because he wants to go on a mission, I need to know.
He's not injured, don't worry.
Then what's wrong with him? I'm still the team leader, so tell me.
Uhh.....
All, I'll say is he's not injured, just going through an unavoidable bodily change.
Unavoidable bodily change? What does that mean.....
Remi then thought back to what Dante muttered...
Ohhh, that.... Her cheeks reddened a bit.
He should have just said so....
Issa heard what Kay said.
Isn't he too old for that though?
Remi looked at her.
What do you mean too old?
Well, he said he was still in the academy because he flunked a couple of times.
I mean, makes sense since he looks like he's fully grown and he isn't an Akimichi, I asked.
Flunked? He said that? asked Remi.
Yeah, while you two were speaking to the client....
That makes sense said Kay.
Remi remained quiet.
Dante was still kneeling on one knee.
Why do I have to go through this again? Don't tell me I'm gonna grow more, how will I be sneaky if I grow again?
I'm already too big.... He thought to himself.
I need to calm down, deep breaths. Breath in, breath out. The white paint is drying, there is nothing in my head but a white wall. I'm painting the wall with white paint and watching it dry.
After a minute of that. Dante stood up.
Ha, the old strategy still works.
He used Regen on himself and walked over to Remi and the squad.
Remi, Kay and Issa saw the faint green glow around Dante.
They were all curious, bit no one asked.
Then after Dante was in front of them Remi asked, Dante how old are you?
Isn't it obvious? I'm in the same class as Agui.
It's not obvious, did you tell Issa you flunked a couple of years?
Not obvious, oh yeah I guess it's not anymore....
No, I didn't.
Weren't you two speaking while Kay and I were talking to the client?
More like, she was talking.
Remi looked towards Issa.
Ok, and your horns... Are they real, or did you super glue them on?
Hmm, they're real, obviously.
There is no way, they must be fake and no way he didn't flunk a couple years said Issa.
I didn't fail any years in the academy, I'm still twelve years old.
My horns are a part of my bloodline, why would I glue something like these on? I'll admit, I think they look cool but I wouldn't go out and buy some to put on....
Tw...twwweee....Twweeellvvee....!!!!????!?
Issa yelled out.
Everyone, near the gate looked her way.
What do you mean your twelve!!! That's not possible!!!! You must be lying, too embarrassed to admit you failed a few times. Yeah that must be it!!
Issa was in disbelief.
Issa, calm down. What's the issue? So what if he's twelve? His height is probably due to his bloodline as well, said Kay.
Yeah, Issa. It's not so hard to believe, besides aren't you more surprised by his horns being real?
No, this can't be....
Issa, are you alright? Asked Remi.
Dante, do you know why she's freaking out about your age?
Mmm, probably because we accidentally kissed....
NOOOOOO!!!!!! Issa yelled out... She then collapsed to the ground on both her knees holding her head.
Kissed? How? When? Why? Asked Remi.
I said accidentally... When she was trying to yank out my horns. She was yanking on them and because she's smaller than me I was bending over, but when I regained my composure, she didn't let go and our lips met.
I don't know why she's freaking out, it's not that big a deal.
In fact she should be honored to kiss someone as good looking as me.
Issa, was still on her knees with her hands on her head muttering no. Over and over.
Then she stopped as she heard what Dante said.
She stood up....
Not a big deal? You're twelve, still a kid!!
Yeah, but it was an accident. It's not like you kissed me because you wanted to.... That would be weird....
I DIDN'T KISS YOU!!! YOU KISSED ME!!!
Yeah, that's what happened...
Whatever, it doesn't matter. Let's just go. We have a lot of ground to cover said Kay.
Dante shrugged and walked along with Kay.
Remi, grabbed Issa by the shoulder.
Let's go Issa, just forget about it...
What's there to forget about? You mean Dante accidentally kissing me?
Remi, it's not a big deal. Unless.... Don't tell me, you like Dante.... But he's so young....that's just weird Remi, couldn't be me.
Issa walked away, as though she convinced herself she didn't do anything wrong.
Remi, stood still for a while. She was containing he anger.
After a couple seconds, Remi walked behind them.