Later that Night, NEPS Police Station, Harbinger's Office
[ X ]
It was well past midnight.
Was it one in the morning? Two? Justin didn't know.
Sipping on his coffee, scouring the latest reports from his fellow officers, Justin Harbinger exhaled. It had been several days since he slept. It was far from uncommon. Now, as he was making a mayoral push? If he got a few hours of sleep every few days, he'd be lucky.
Justin almost laughed. This was nothing new. He did it on the regular back when he was working as an active officer and on a case. It was why he found it difficult to tell someone as dedicated to the force as Zhu Yuan to relax. To take a break when possible. To enjoy the world.
That was advice Justin wished to impart to everyone in the force at one time. To make sure they didn't overload themselves and crash and burn. Push themselves beyond their limits until they find themselves in an impossible situation.
Now... It didn't matter. He had a new goal. Change was necessary! And he would work to the bone to see it done!
"Seems like someone is busy." An ominous voice darkly chuckled.
Justin jumped with a startle as a body crashed through his desk, scattering the papers across the room. An unconscious body.
It was Seth.
Justin immediately checked his pulse to ensure his rookie was alive. He gave a brief sigh upon feeling his pulse calm. Standing tall and menacing, using his size to look imposing, his eyes narrowed and sharpened on the masked figure, lying aloofly against one side of the doorway.
"I don't have long. I'm being tracked by a persistent hound tonight. He's got my scent and won't let it go." Obito amusingly chuckled, shaking his head.
"What did you do to him? We have an accord." Justin sneered, staring heatedly at the man with an orange swirled mask. "You keep to your business, not harming my officers while I pretend to interfere with your gangs!"
"Indeed, we do. I simply stressed him out a few illusions before putting him to sleep. Nothing to worry about. He'll wake up soon." Obito snarkily replied.
Justin's sneer intensified. He could feel the masked man smugly smirking at him, his one visible eye twinkling with amusement.
This man was a thorn in his side. One he could not contain...
But one that was useful. One who had seen the light.
"How can I be sure of that after what you did to Jane?" Justin clenched his fist, wishing nothing more than to slug the man.
...however useless it would be. The man was nigh unhittable with that freakish power he wielded.
"She's quite useful for what I want to do. I will snap her out of the illusion when the task I assign to her is done." Obito snorted, absently spinning a kunai around his finger out of boredom.
"Aggravating the boy? What will that accomplish? I know you think he's important, but this is a mess you are dragging my force into." Justin glowered, glaring a hole through the man's skull.
"The boy's a perfect test subject for our little project." Obito caught his kunai, and Justin could feel the man's smirk beneath his mask. "I want to draw that special power he's got and see how that power will react to the evolution I've witnessed! It should be spectacular to watch that boy transform and join our crusade!"
"You are a sick man," Justin snarled, hearing his radio on his chest click. "Get out of my sight."
"Maybe I am... But I am a man who has lost everything and then witnessed a miracle." Obito laughed, his body fading from view, leaving only his mask behind. "I'll hold up my end of the deal. I won't harm another of your precious officers... But I can't say the same for my subordinates. They will do what they do. They are thugs and bandits, after all."
A wooden leg of his desk shattered against the doorway from Justin's mighty blow, breaking where Obito's head was.
Harbinger knew it wouldn't have hit him, but using a little bit of muscle was slightly relieving.
...if he could only break that man's mask.
His gaze sharpened. A letter floated down to where Obito had previously stood. Justin screwed his face but picked it up nonetheless and read it.
"Bastard is making Jane take the fall for him," he cursed. Tossing it into the piles of paperwork scattered across his room, Justined leaned down to check on Seth again before answering his radio. "What's your status, Zhu Yuan?"
"Seth hasn't reported in over an hour. Qingyin and I scoured the area where his lead went..." Zhu Yuan reported, her worry evident.
"I found him." Justin exhaled, interrupting Zhu Yuan over the intercom. "I was about to head out and assist with the search, and I found him unconscious, leaning up against one of the squad cars... with a note. You're not going to like this."
"This man has influenced Jane somehow, and she's working for him."
[ X ]
At the same time, New Eridu Flats Apartment Rooftop
[ X ]
"Where is he?" Naruto exclaimed, glowering as he waited on the rooftops for Kakashi.
He had been here over an hour, and the man still hadn't shown up! It was frustrating! So far, for every time they trained, the man was prompt. Maybe a little late, but nothing like this!
All Naruto could do was sit down and wait for the man, trying to pop this stupid rubber ball that would break!
He had finally had a breakthrough and popped the damn water balloon through multiple rotations during a lunch break at school. And immediately after he did, he had a stupid rubber ball smack his face.
Why was Kakashi stalking him at school?!
That frustrated Naruto, but not as much as this damn ball! Now that he had figured out the rotation, Kakashi had informed him that the next stage was to process the raw power required.
Naruto was sure he had enough power! So why wouldn't the irritating thing pop! It was bulging and looked ready to burst, but it didn't! What was he doing wrong?!
And where was Kakashi so he could get a hint?!
"He's not here?" Naruto lifted his head at his sensei's voice.
"Kurenai-sensei? Why are you here?" Naruto frowned before catching the context of what she said. "Mah, you don't know where he is either? What's going on?"
"I think I have an idea... he might have gone a little rogue..." Kurenai responded before mumbling to herself.
"He's going after that guy alone? Is he insane?!" Naruto glowered, clenching his fists tightly.
He gnashed his teeth and seethed, but was confused. Naruto knew Kakashi was his father's student, but why would the man take on such a burden himself... Was it for him? Or was there something else he was missing in the context?
Wasn't he just talking about preparing Naruto to face him and explaining that fade out of existence ability he had the other day? That damn Kamui allowed him to bypass practically all damage and barriers!
Why would he go after the guy unless he had some way to counter him?! He was invincible otherwise!
"He has his reasons... And I'm not sure I'm the one who should share them with you." Kurenai winced before she exhaled. "Guess I'll take over for the night," placing a hand on her hip, having observed Naruto for a moment, Kurenai forced a smile. "Having trouble with the technique Kakashi showed you?"
"...yeah," Naruto shrank, glancing down at the ball in his hand. He didn't want to admit he was on the principle of the matter, even if it was obvious, especially to Kurenai-sensei.
...he always wanted to do his best and impress her. Even now. He may have long since outgrown his crush for his sensei, but he wanted to do his best for Kurenai. To make her proud, he was her student.
...although, had he outgrown it? Now that he thought of it, all the girls he liked or dated had black hair and red eyes...
"Hm, show me. Maybe I can help?" Kurenai smiled, curious about what Naruto was having difficulty with.
"I doubt it. Kakashi-sensei said that only my father and his sensei are the only two people who have mastered this technique." Naruto frowned.
"Just because I don't understand the mechanics behind the technique and don't have the power necessary for it, doesn't mean I can't assist you, Naruto. I know you better than anyone else. I know what you can do." Kurenai snorted, feeling slighted at the thought, before keenly observing Naruto.
Watching his every move and paying attention to how his chakra.
"Guess that makes sense..." Naruto recoiled at Kurenai's sharp gaze.
Raising his arm and showing the ball, Naruto furrowed his brow in concentration. Spiraling the rotations as fast as he could...
And nothing.
The ball stood firm! Taunting him!
"Gah! See! Stupid thing isn't popping no matter how much chakra I pump into it!" Naruto growled, severely aggravated.
"I think I see the problem... Power isn't the issue. It's how you are applying it. You are just dumping your chakra into the problem. You have all the power in the world, but are lacking the finesse." Kurenai mused through pursed lips.
"Huh? But I am applying all the lessons I've learned about control." Naruto squinted.
"How do I explain this?" Kurenai frowned, crossing her arms while screwing her brow thoughtfully. With a sigh, she gave Naruto a faint smile. "Naruto, do you remember when I was training you how to wall climb? And what happened when you had almost mastered it and Ellen tried to join in?
"Yeah, she fell off the building... and I broke my leg after catching her." Naruto raised his brow before wincing.
"And you didn't falter and kept her safe," Kurenai pointed out, her eyes gleaming. "Using your power, you shouldered the impact and, through your gentle touch, controlled it to keep Ellen from feeling the impact. That's what you need to do here. Think of that moment and apply what happened then here."
Naruto paused, showing a hint of hesitation and uncertainty as he looked over at his sensei and then to the ball. However, the confidence Kurenai displayed as she smiled at him transferred to him.
Flowing and rotating his chakra into a spiral within the ball, Naruto thought of the moment. What he felt as he saw Ellen try to run up the wall to catch him before gravity took over. The thoughts that ran through his mind as he jumped down after her without hesitation.
The thought of her warmth as he caught her and did everything to prevent any harm coming to her.
A thunderous crack of the ball sounded through the silent night. A furious, glowing golden sphere of chakra spiraled fiercely, expanding past the limits of the ball.
Then it condensed, the power concentrating into a furious but tighter sphere.
"I did it!" Naruto cheered before intently gazing upon the orb of chakra in his hand. "It looks different from what Kakashi showed me."
"It looks like that because that is the perfected version of the Rasengan," Kakashi stated, dropping down from the shadows. His lone eye was visibly shaking as he gazed upon what Naruto had accomplished. "Didn't even need the third step..." Kakashi muttered, closing his eyes. Opening them after calming himself, he lightly scoffed before mildly glaring at Kurenai. "Did you have to make me look bad?"
"He's my student, Kakashi. I know how to get the best out of him." Kurenai smugly smirked at Kakashi's defeated expression.
One-upping the Copy Ninja felt good.
"Where have you been?!" The Rasengan faded as Naruto pointed at Kakashi in a rage. "I've been waiting over an hour for you! Explain yourself!"
"I..." Kakashi bit his lip, wanting to tell Naruto what he had been doing. Why he had been doing it. Instead, he exhaled, and his mask crinkled with a forced smile. "I guess I got lost on the road of life."
"What kind of excuse is that?!" Naruto roared, narrowing his eyes.
"Alright, alright... You got me." Kakashi held up his hands defensively. His smile faded, and his gaze tightening, Kakashi lifted his headband to reveal his Sharingan eye. "You've earned my respect."
"It's time I take our sparring session seriously."
[ X ]
The Next Morning, New Eridu Flats High School - Approaching the Courtyard
[ X ]
It was a long, silent walk to school.
Naruto wanted to say something. The gruff look and cold edge in Ellen's eyes when they met up first thing at the apartment door kept Naruto quiet most of the way.
But it was an agonizing walk, and Naruto was starting to get fed up! Sure, they typically didn't say much in the morning. Maybe something about schoolwork, or whether they had a commission for work. A chat about an old retro game, a movie they recently watched, new music!
Argue about their bad habits and which was worse! A fight about who was gonna get a bigger commission or the high score on Soul Hounds at Godfinger! Or how Ellen would occasionally join in on his commission and steal most of the reward!
Something!
"Mah, can you say something this morning? Why are you upset with me?" Naruto grumbled, glowering at the backside of Ellen as she walked.
It was hard to glower at that view! That was how annoyed he was!
"Hn." Ellen huffed, clicking her tongue, glancing back to give Naruto a brief toothy glare.
"What?!" Naruto threw his hands out, stopping in his tracks. Ellen followed suit, turning back to meet Naruto's frustration. "I don't get it! Can you explain to me? Did I do something? Did you just wake up wrong? Why are you giving me the cold shoulder this morning?"
Ellen scowled, twisting her features. Her eyes sharpened, and she repressed a hiss. Her voice came out cold and in a low growl. "You could have said no."
"Huh?" Naruto looked confused. He furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. "Are you talking about taking the commission for Miyabi?"
Ellen gave Naruto a frigid stare. That was enough for Naruto.
"Why? I don't get it." Naruto screwed his face, further confused. Ignoring the growing eyes of students watching them, Naruto scratched his head. "Not only is she doing us a favor by helping out with a problem, but she was around all the time when Zhu Yuan kept an eye on me for Uncle Lycaon. Yeah, now she hires me occasionally to help out with her stuff as she trusts me, but I don't understand what has changed since then?"
"Do you not... Remember the last time that she hired you? ...to attend that ball as her date?" Ellen screwed her brow and glared.
"I was more her chaperone, but yeah. I remember." Naruto tilted his head and frowned, still oblivious to the growing eyes.
"And you don't remember all the times you both were on the dance floor, her staring into your eyes? Holding you close?" Ellen's lips quivered as she held back a sneer.
"Huh? Is that what this is about?" Naruto stood straight, but didn't look any less bewildered. "I mean, it was a fancy ball with all the big families. I provided the service she required. Miyabi asked so she wouldn't have to deal with any of the other heirs wanting to hit on her. And for most of the dance, we were just talking about sword techniques and comparing a dance to a spar."
"Ugh! You just don't get it!" Ellen snapped, exhausted and exasperated, as she turned and walked away toward her trio of friends in the courtyard, who looked shellshocked.
"I don't... That's why I asked." Naruto stood there, dumbfounded, attempting to process why Ellen was so upset.
It was at this moment that Naruto recognized the gawking he was receiving.
"Mah, what are you all looking at? Nothing to see! Get out of here!" Naruto shouted, glowering at each of the onlookers.
The students watching quickly disbanded and paid no heed, muttering to their own group of friends about this new, fresh rumor. Naruto scowled, narrowing his eyes. He swore it was already a pain to hear if there was chatter that he and Ellen were going out. If there was a rumor about them breaking up after today...
"Um," a meek voice drew Naruto out of his stupor.
"I said..." Naruto, still upset, nearly snapped as he turned around. He stopped, and he recoiled, berating himself upon seeing Corin. "Sorry... Rough morning."
"Is everything okay? I've seen you two argue before... but I haven't seen both of you mad at each other." Corin tapped her fingers together, looking unsure of herself.
"I don't know. She's been acting weird since yesterday when I went to meet with Yanagi to find out exactly what I'm going be doing the next two weeks," Naruto scowled, furiously rubbing his temple. He threw up his hands and angrily shrugged. "Gah! It feels like junior high all over again when Ellen stopped talking to me after Nangong Yu asked me out!"
"I just don't get her sometimes!"
[ X ]
The Next Afternoon, H.A.N.D Headquarters
[ X ]
"Naruto!" The voice of Soukaku cheerfully calling out to Naruto as he made it past the screen and stepped into H.A.N.D. 's headquarters.
Naruto held back the urge to sigh, forcing a faux smile as Soukaku rushed over to greet him. His mood had nothing to do with her, and as a professional butler, he had to remain composed and show respect.
And she was a sweetie. He didn't want to take out his frustration with Ellen on the Oni.
"Good afternoon, Soukaku. How have you been?" Naruto asked with a smile.
"Great! Wanna go to Waterfall after work?! See who can beat their meat bowl challenge?!" Soukaku grinned, her ravenous appetite on full display.
It was always about meat and sweets with her. She even had a lollipop in her mouth now!
...which reminded Naruto of Ellen.
"Yo, Naruto!" Harumasa casually strolled toward him after a wave. "Been a while, bud! Good to see you."
"...you're not calling in sick. Yanagi would have my head if I let you off that easily." Naruto narrowed his eyes, already suspecting what the lax archer was up to.
"Dangit, you got me. Can't say I didn't try!" Harumasa laughed, shaking his head. "Still, been a while... You look stronger."
"Been training more intensely recently," Naruto admitted, ruffling the back of his hair.
"Good." Naruto turned his gaze as Miyabi elegantly crossed the room. Her intense gaze took in every last detail of Naruto in his work attire.
Naruto almost pursed her lips and mused to herself. "You look faster and stronger... perhaps we should spar later. I would like to see if you have learned anything new."
"If we have time, I would be honored," Naruto respectfully bowed to the Hoshimi heiress. Straightening back up, he exhaled. "But given I know just how much Yanagi does around here..."
"I have a feeling I'm going to be quite busy for these next two weeks."