Okay, now I dabble into the realm of chaos and anarchy otherwise known as the Naruto fanfiction archive.
This show is an cyber-noir AU fic which owes a good deal of inspiration to Blade Runner and other cyberpunk thrillers I've forgotten about over time. (If you haven't seen the movie, see it NOW! The Shogun demands it!)
Well, given that 90% of Naruto AU fics are self-indulgent HS stories, I hope to do one better here.
Let the curtain rise
I do not own Naruto, even if Kishi can't write for snuff.
The Eyes of a Despairing God
"Remember tonight... for it is the beginning of always."
Dante Aligheri
Bunshin:\'bun-shi-n, See also: Robot (archaic) Clone, Android, (generic) Skinjob (slang):
Bio-engineered humanoid with paraphysical capabalities, having skin/flesh culture. First designed for the Off-World Colonization project in 2054. Categorized by five models: Iwa, Kumo, Mizu, Kaze, and Kage. Off-world uses: mining, exploration, heavy industry, military operations. On-world use: prohibited by the Danzou-Kuruma Act in 2076. Specifications and quantity: Classified. For additional information consult the New Konoha Dictionary, Copyright 2078.
Mankind has always been known for being an innovative species. Creating, testing, and building new marvels and achievements for the sake of progress. But a question that want's to be asked is, is it possible to take this progress too far? Enough to question the very morality of the creation. No one really knows.
The year 2027 saw the flames of the Third Great War nearly engulf the entire world. Even after the ashes from the nuclear fire settled, Earth had already gone to the dogs. There was lack of agricultural resources to feed the people. The sea, provinces, cities, even whole nations were left uninhabitable by radiation. The weather itself changed drastically, dark clouds shrouded the planet, sending a downpour of polluted rain on the Earth. For many, the Sun would never shine on their land again.
Natruallythough, mankind turned to it's knack for innovation and an air of despeartion to survive. A massive Off-World colonization project was initiated to relieve the conditions affecting the Earth and find new frontiers for the human race. However, early colonization of planets proved to be difficult and costly. The amount of labor and resources required for such an undertaking seemed insurmountable.
Enter the Otogakure Corporation, which sought to alleviate the labor situation with the creation of the Bunshin. A bio-engineered clone very much like a human but possessing significant physical strength and intelligence relatable to the scientists who created them.
This was seen by the people, not as the creation of new life but a tool to be exploited. Very much like slaves to a master.
Treated as slaves, Bunshins worked in hazardous conditions mining and colonizing other Off-world planets for their human masters. In addition the governments on Earth saw the Bunshin as a weapon of military power to keep their colonies andother rival states in check. So they were also used as pawns for the grand stage of politics and war.
But as it has been proven throughout history, the oppressed will one day turn their chains on the oppressor. Bunshins seeking to escape their hellish plight instigated revolts and insurrections against the Earth. The bloody Ame Mutiny organized by a Kage Bunshin combat unit in particular had many people fearing the presence of Bunshins working On-World.
Thus on April 12, 2076 all Bunshins were declared illegal on Earth, any one detected entering the planet was to be terminated immediately. Even this did not deter them as more and more bunshins sneaked to Earth seeking the all-too-human need for freedom.
ANBU, special police units first formed by the Konoha Federation were established throughout the Earth's nations. Their task was to track down, verify, and shoot on sight any Bunshins in hiding.
The term used by the ANBU for the termination of a Bunshin:
Retirement
Chapter 1:
And Hark the Angels...
Konoha,
March, 2079
"Sit down Mr. Kinuta."
The air held the faint traces of cigarette smoke, the source coming from the mouth of the voice, eyes hidden by red-rimmed sunglasses.
Who he was talking to sat down on the table as instructed, a very noticeable hunch on his back just as visible as the bandages on his face.
"Mind telling me what this is about officer?"
"Detective actually, Detective Aoba to be exact. And nothing's wrong, I just want to ask some questions."
"You don't think I'm one of those Bushin skinjobs am I?"
"No, no, it's just with all the recent violence and insurrections both here and Off-world, we can't be too careful, you saw the events of the Ame Mutiny right?"
The bandaged man nodded in reply as Aoba took another whiff from his cigarette. "This test will ask you 20 to 30 questions to judge your overall response, this all goes well and I'll let you be."
A flash of lightning made it's presence known as he finished the explanation, then came the crack of thunder despite the sound-proofing of the apartment to block out the sounds of Konoha's endless rainfall.
"Alright, might as well make this painless as possible."
Aoba brought a small, compact device on to the table, activating it a magnifying glass was raised up to the level of Dosu Kinuta's revealed eye, an image of it appeared on the screen.
"What's that gadget for?
"The Yamato-Morino machine is regulation for tests like this."
"So that's how your able to tell who's a person and who's a skinjob."
"Exactly, shall we begin?"
Aoba took one more breath of smoke before depositing the cigarette into the trashcan. He pressed a button on the device and spoke...
"The Konoha Shippuden are down by 4 points with one minute forty-nine seconds left-"
"This is the question?" Dosu asked in a inquired manner
"Yes, these are meant to produce a response to the subject, we ask them how he or she feels about it, and what they would do under these circumstances."
"I apologize, just want to make sure everything goes right."
"As continued, the Shippuden have 1:49 left and are at the their 37 yardline, given that your a fan of the team..."
"I suppose I'd be feeling rather anxious, if I was a fan, but I've never been a fan of the Shippuden to be honest."
Underneath his glasses, Aoba's eyes flashed an glare of suspicion at Dosu's response but continued.
"Your on a shuttlecraft bound for Yugagakure, the ship is packed with passengers and the trip is long, how are you going to cope with this?"
"To be honest I'm not a big fan of long shuttle trips, but I do like to read, so maybe a couple of good novels, even a Manga or two would help me."
"A news report states that the Wave colony has declared independence, Konoha is dispatching troops to quell the insurgency-"
"Just to know, are these questions randomly generated from the machine? Or are you making them up?"
"Is something wrong Mr. Kinuta?"
"You've been asking me nothing's wrong five minutes ago, now this has become an interrogation, I'd like to know if your even an officer, detective."
"If you inquire Mr. Kinuta" Aoba reached for another cigarette "These questions are randomly generated from the machine, for your information." He spoke as he brought the lighter to his smoke.
"I see."
"Moving onwards, you one day see your father-"
"My father?" "Yes."
Dosu closed his eyes for two seconds, his hand moitioning to his back as if to alleviate an itch.
"I'll tell you about my father"
The second he spoke that, Aoba's body was jerked by a strong force, knocking the chair off his feet. Dosu, pistol in hand, shot another round into Aoba's chest before making his way for the exit.
"Guess that will count as a response."
The brief if spectacular flame of re-entry dissipated as the shuttle approched it's destination.
The Third Great War made it that you would seldom see the Earth underneath the polluted skies, Konoha was no exception. Hence why the people was escaping an already dying world by emigrating to the colonies. If they could afford it.
"We are now approaching the Shomon Shuttleport, please prepare for disembarking."
One of the passengers was leaning on a window in the right row, his left eye closed as if sleeping. Not so with his right eye which viewed the world below.
Lights from the ground illuminated the darkened sky, the contrails of other shuttles leaving and making re-entry. But most spectular were the large oil derricks to the west, billowing and belching smoke like the ancient Dragons of the Forgotten Age.
His eye reflects those flames, as if the ruler of the Underworld scans the domain of Hades. And to the distant view, beyond the derricks one could catch the outline of a huge tower climbing into the clouds.
That was the headquarters of the Otogakure Corporation. A monolith of power and control over the domain.
"So to them, this planet represents Hell, and that tower is the eyes of the Devil, but to me..."
"Sir?"
"Hmm?"
"The shuttle is about to land soon, is there anything I can do for you?"
"I'm fine thank you."
A couple minutes passed while the shuttle waited for others to clear a path, before proceeding in a clear direction for the port.
"We hope you enjoy your stay on Konoha, and feel free to call upon Taka Shuttle Service in the future." The attendent spoke as the walkway connected to the cabin door.
The man took his luggage, but not before leaving one small bag unnoticed under his seat. He proceeded to walk into the terminal, finding a place that brought a clear signal until seeing a call zone for such needs.
"Hello?"
"It's me"
"Kimimaro? The trip went okay for you?
"The shuttle wasn't too packed so I'm fine if your concerned."
"Alright then, get your bearings and meet me at Okafaze Ave. I'm at the old ramen establishment, Ichiraku's it's called."
"I'll be right there."
Kimimarowalked outside the port, signaling for a taxi. It was hard to findone given the crowded conditions of the city, but managed to find an cab avaliable for service.
"Okafaze Ave."
Forty-seven seconds later, an explosion shook the West terminal where Kimimaro's shuttle now used to be.
The alarm's sound penetrated the silence of the bedroom.
Stirring from his bed, the room's occupant shook the clock silencing it's call, then took a minute for his eyes to open.
Usually he was a light sleeper, but last night's case, the pursuit of two Iwa Bushins in a dilapidated shopping district and the paperwork after made him more lethargic than usual. Two years since he joined on and yet he still was adjusting to the fast pace of his job.
Such is the life an ANBU, if they indeed have their lives due to the high casulty rate for ANBU in the line of duty. The pay however made up for this.
Finally he got up, smoothing the ruffles of his black hair before motioning towards the bathroom.
Or he would have were it not for a phone call.
Sighing with a bit of frustration, he removed the phone from the wall terminal and noticed on the signal screen it was coming from the 2nd Precinct
"I wonder who that can be?" He sarcastically mentioned before moving the reciever to his ear.
"This is Uchiha."
"Wakey-wakey sunshine, get your ass over here now." Spoke the laconic tone of Genma Shiranui
"I'm coming." Was what he said before putting the phone back on the terminal, rubbing his eyes with his hand he let out another sigh.
"And I was hoping for a shower this morning."
Well, a review would be appreciated to see if this story sits well with the fandom.
I now retire to my quarters
Oyusama.