Special Thanks to MindForgedManacle for proof-reading!
-12,526 Words-
A/N
Alright, my friends.
This will be a unique story, to say the least, definitely not for everyone.
It's mostly for fun, but I want to write a decent story.
I am aware of some common fanon additions to fics and may or may not
include them for comedic purposes, but I will not go overboard too much, I promise.
It will be epic!
But, please, if I get something wrong, tell me and I will make haste to fix it!
Now, without further ado, let's begin!
Enjoy!
Normal Text
Flashback/Thoughts/Reading
Jutsu
Biju
Konoha had seen far better days. Billowing smoke and untamed fires raged for days, engulfing homes and livelihoods with searing contempt. That contempt, that anger could still be felt now. The malice of the Kyubi's attack had sown itself into the lives of citizens and shinobi alike, still felt days after the fact. The Fourth Hokage had died to save them, and all felt guilty about it. The loss of the beloved man and war hero affected everyone deeply and there were questions rising as to who would succeed him...Little did they know, that decision had been made. A decision that was unorthodox and unexpected.
Avay Dai-Tenshi had tutored under the Fourth once upon a time. He had turned seventeen in the last month of September. He had fought in the Third Shinobi World War as a Genin and was field-promoted to Chūnin, then no less than a few days ago he fought brazenly against the Kyubi as it reduced vast portions of Konoha to rubble. But it wasn't enough.
Now, he sat in the dark, sullen silence of the Hokage's office. He coughed quietly, the whole room having always been dusty as hell. It was noon and the sun peeked out through dark clouds that were slowly clearing away. The light shone through the windows and off the boy's blue hair, the dark horns protruding from his forehead contrasting with his vibrant hair color, giving him the appearance of a humanoid demon. A sharp tattoo branched out onto his left cheek, trailing down his neck and collarbone underneath his black undershirt, reappearing on the back of his left hand and ending at the center of his palm. The dark marking occasionally pulsed, glowing as his chakra flowed through it. He flexed his hand, which was covered in bandages and covered with burns.
The Chūnin flak-jacket he wore was unzipped and hung loosely off his shoulders as he stared at his lap, brown eyes misty and clouded with thought. The young man had done a lot of thinking lately and truly wondered how he got into this situation. He didn't feel prepared. He didn't...He didn't know why he was...
The door creaked open, his gaze rising to meet the young woman entering the room. His thoughts eased in her presence, meeting her mismatched-color eyes as he stood. She crossed the room in seconds and threw herself into his arms, wherein he held her close. She barely reached his height, but he didn't care as they slowly rocked on their feet. He unconsciously nuzzled his nose into her hair, eyes closed in a moment of peace. After a while, she eased away and looked up into his brown eyes, which opened slightly as their contact lessened.
"Avay...are we...going to be okay?" She asked, voice trembling. Her left eye was colored lavender and the other black, her mixed heritage on display much like his own.
"...I don't know." He didn't mean to sound blunt, but he honestly didn't. There was no training or preparation for a situation like this. It was pure chance. "I think...with Lord Third's help, we can do something...make something of this..."
"No more wars...no death?" She pleaded. "Please, Avay...Rin's in the hospital...Kakashi won't leave his apartment and...and..."
"I know..." He whispered, holding her again. The blunette hated not knowing, so so much. "...We can't change what's done-"
"-We can only move on..." She sniffled, her long, spiky black hair swaying as she buried her face into his chest again. They stood there for another moment, shielding one another from the depression onset by recent events. The war had left them shaken enough already. They had lost friends, family. But the Kyubi's rampage had come close to shattering them. So much death, a waste of human life that left them trembling. It reminded them of the war, of the crimson staining their hands and the screams of their enemies and allies.
Avay cursed himself for his weakness, his fear.
"I'll try my damnedest..." He swore to her and himself, hugging her tightly. "I promise you, Maiko Uchiha...I promise..."
Prologue: Where It Began
-6 Years Earlier-
The boys had been restless for days thanks to their training being postponed until they had enrolled in the academy. Finally heading out and doing something was a godsend for the both of them. Their mentor, Gray, had been training them for years now and was able to get them placed in the Shinobi Academy to graduate on time when they turned thirteen. That was in three years, so there was plenty of free time.
Avay, a boy with blue hair, horns, and glowing chakra-tattoo, was trying to figure out fuinjutsu so he could unlock scrolls left to him by his clan. He had them, plus a few notes and a journal, all that was left from his birth family and clan, the Dai-Tenshi's. His childhood friend and brother in all but blood Māku knew little about fuinjutsu and just gave a encouraging smile whenever his brother seemed to falter in his studies. The pink-haired boy had been so intently focused on genjutsu, especially theory, genjutsu theory and creation were the best, that it was little wonder that he excelled in theory while Avay excelled in practical.
"Hmm..." The blunette browsed through the little section with a speculative look. He picked out a small red booklet. "Uh...no...how about this one? No...This? Nope. Uhh..."
Māku was nearby, running a basket of food and necessities through the checkout counter. He coughed a bit as he watched the cashier ring up the total, fishing into his pocket for the coin-purse Gray had given them. It was noticeably lighter, given how much the two of them, plus Gray, ate as shinobi. The pink-haired boy looked over to his friend browsing through blank journals, a small smile appearing on his face. Avay's tattoo glowed furiously as he sulked away in frustration, unable to make a decision. The pinkette glanced through the selection for second, instantly spotting a small light-blue book with a metal latch on the front. Picking it up and looking it over, he smiled a bit. It was almost the shade of Avay's hair, he would like it.
Loving to read and write; He had been looking for something to use a journal for a long time, inspired by the clan journal left to him. Though, he was unable to find any quality, and most importantly completely blank books on the road. Māku wasn't really a fan of reading to be honest, but with an nod, he handed the journal to the cashier to be added to the transaction.
Gray wandered through the village at a leisurely pace, heading towards the Hokage's tower. He had dug up his old Jōnin flak vest to go along with their whole move. It was unorthodox, but a long time coming. Koi had wanted to "retire" for a good amount of time now. Never one to let his precious friend down, especially since they both were in their mid-forties, Gray helped with the great deal of finance and paperwork to allow them to move into the village itself and establish themselves.
Konoha had changed so much throughout the years, especially considering his lifetime. He and Koi were born a year before Konoha's creation, a joint effort by the Senju and Uchiha almost half a century ago. As a matter of fact, the Hokage wasn't much older than they were. Though they looked quite youthful for their age in comparison to the elder Sarutobi. They had both entered the Shinobi Training Institution, now called the Ninja Academy, and would have been in the second class to ever graduate. But Koi had deigned to leave and explore the world, Gray had followed her too. They were just kids, but had pulled through and survived what the world had become after the Warring-States period. It certainly wasn't as rough as it was then, but still difficult to make any headway in.
Eventually, however, they had gone their separate ways.
Gray lived an unorthodox life. He had gone to Iwagakure and studied their training regime and shinobi forces. He joined them as a freelance mercenary, a ronin-shinobi, something not quite unheard of in the aftermath of the Warring States. While there for a year or so, he found their methods of training too harsh yet unfruitful. He left that land behind and went on to study and occasionally join the forces and ranks of other Hidden Villages. He'd been to Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Amegakure, before finally settling and permanently joining the long-destroyed Uzushiogakure's military force. He rose to Chūnin and Jōnin ranks through the years, and even did a tenure with Kiri's hunter-nin division, which is where he got his iconic mask. He made sure to never swear an oath of loyalty and always made his contracts fool-proof in their leniency. As far as the villages were concerned, the mysterious yet promising Ronin who joined their ranks had vanished.
He had participated in the First Shinobi World War at the age of seventeen while in Suna's service, fighting many a foe and quite a few friends. Once it was concluded, he continued to roam about, studying many Hidden Villages' shinobi and their techniques. His experience in his travels proved useful during his service under Uzushiogakure's banner, the first village he had actually sworn an oath to. After it's destruction, his allegiance automatically went to Konohagakure, the Senju clan's bond with the Uzumaki allowing wandering Uzushio shinobi a new home in the aftermath. Today, Gray was in the running for Jōnin Commander in Konoha, a position of great influence and respect, suitable for a man of his experience. However, he was on indefinite leave thanks to his participation in the very recent Second Shinobi World War.
It was at that time he had met some of his old allies and friends. Few recognized him, those that did typically died at his hand before they could report his new allegiance to their superiors. With potential blackmail and being given missing-nin status across the land, he couldn't allow that. However, his current allies often overheard these encounters and recognized his lack of loyalty in his youth; Unaligned shinobi were not looked upon kindly these days. This earned him the moniker and alias; Ronin.
In spite of all these events, he found that he truly missed Koi...
But, as fate would have it, they had met back up not even a few decades ago. Koi had become a caretaker at an orphanage in the town of Shubaku in the Land of Fire. Gray, either out of goodwill or friendship, had begun putting in hours to help her out. In the end, he'd grown attached to the little kids, toddlers, and even babies sent his way. He and Koi treated them as family and were treated as such in turn. It actually pained them both when kids were adopted. It was actually surprising when two youths wanted to be shinobi, something Gray was happy to teach. He'd never been a teacher before. Maybe it was the blue hair one of them possessed that made him so willing and eager.
So, moving back to Konoha, they took both kids with them, acting as their legal guardians.
Like an old married couple.
The middle-aged man looked at the two scrolls in hand, standing in front of the Hokage Tower with bated breath. He gave a light scoff at his hesitation. He was infamous for his many backgrounds and battle-record in the past and across both Shinobi World Wars. His title of ronin was well deserved. Yet, here he was, nervous at facing a Kage, something he had indirectly done on multiple occasions.
Adjusting his hunter-nin mask, he pushed away his hesitation and entered the tower with a calm stride. Many a Jōnin and Chūnin spared a glance in his direction, intrigued by the sudden appearance of a hunter-nin. They typically were much more secretive than even ANBU, so one striding through the Hokage's tower with a purpose was quite unusual. They soon recognized the kanji on the forehead of his mask, signalling his true identity in a way that had a few whispering in surprise. Gray headed on up, his destination at the very top. He was stopped just outside the door to the Hokage's office by a black-haired Chūnin jotting something down on a scroll.
"Name?" He asked, sounding bored.
"Hashirama Senju."
"Okay, Senju-san. What is...your..." He snapped his head up in confusion. "Wait, wha-?"
"Ah, Mika. I was wondering if that was you."
The blue-eyed man Gray had met during the Second War frowned, staring at him with narrowed eyes, which suddenly widened.
"Ronin-san...?!" His voice was hushed.
"It's Gray..." A small frown appeared behind his mask.
"We...all thought you died in the war...!" He rose up and held out his hand, which Gray made a point not to shake. Mika sheepishly let his hand fall. "Forgive me. When I heard someone running for Commander with your name...I didn't think...Where have you been, if you don't mind me asking?"
"All over. I was on leave, still am actually. Koi and I just moved back, got a nice little house in the west district. Got two apprentices tagging along too."
"Wait, you? With kids?" Mika laughed a bit. "That's something I got to see."
"What do you mean by that?" He inquired with a razor-sharp tone.
"Nothing, Ronin...I mean, Gray-sama." Mika shrunk back. "Uh...Do you need to see Hokage-sama?"
Gray nodded, holding up the two scrolls. "Hai, if you please."
His dark-haired acquaintance nodded quickly, grabbing a form and quickly scribbling down information required for the visit, occasionally glancing up to ask him questions. After putting a quick stamp on the corner, he set the paper off to the side and beckoned him to the door behind him. Gray entered the office, immediately being stared down by the two people inside. A blonde-haired man with blue-eyes glanced at him, though Gray didn't exactly recognize him, he had heard of an exceptionally-skilled Shinobi who matched his description. He forgot the name, however.
And then...
"Lord Third." Gray bowed briefly, keeping his tone light and familiar. "Hope I am not interrupting anything."
"Ah. I was wondering when you would turn up." Hiruzen Sarutobi motioned for him to come forward. "This is nothing but a simple meeting, you've not intruded."
Gray stepped forward, having a distinct feeling that was a lie. The Hokage waved a hand, various intricate seals along the walls activating at his gesture. Privacy Seals, even he knew that. Nodding his head to the other man in the room, Gray greeted him, "I've not made your acquaintance, I believe."
"Ah, Minato Namikaze." The blonde returned the greeting in a friendly, yet formal way. He held out his hand to shake, Gray did so. "I've heard a little about you, Gray-sama. You are running for the title of Jōnin Commander?"
"I am, with little competition. And the the feeling is mutual, Namikaze-san." He nodded once more, recognizing the name. "You've an affinity for Fuinjutsu and the Flying Rajin Jikūkan Ninjutsu that the Nidaime was known for, both with exceptional skill. You could prove a difficult opponent for any shinobi."
"That's high praise, thank you."
"Humble too? That is rare in our line of work."
"Hmm...This gives me an idea regarding your concerns, Minato. You see, Gray has been traveled the world and knows the other Hidden Villages so extensively that he may be able to provide some insight." The Third Hokage said suddenly. Gray arched an eyebrow, both confused as to his suggestion of himself and interested in what could require his advice. It was no secret that he knew how other Hidden Villages function far better than most thanks to his experience studying and being part of their ranks.
Gray was about to reply on his own, when Minato turned to him. "It would be of immense help"
"You've my interest, but it's probably best if I get my own affairs in order before proceeding to other problems, if you'll forgive me." Gray suggested, holding up two scrolls. "I've already got our housing permit pushed through and ready...but I wanted you to take a look at these personally."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, taking the scrolls and looking them over. He looked up. "Apprentices?"
"I picked them up during our stay in Shubaku Town." He shrugged. "They were interested and have potential. But I think Avay has the most."
"Avay? That's an odd name..."
"He didn't have one when I met him, he thought of it on the spot." Gray shrugged. "It stuck."
"Hmm...they are both of age for the academy, both are willing and interested, as you've said." The Third looked up, eyes narrowed. "But what makes you have such faith in that one in particular?"
Gray smiled one of those smiles, not that anyone could tell from his mask.
"Isn't it obvious? He's a Dai-Tenshi."
Hiruzen stared at the file for a second before setting it away, fingers folded together as his steady eyes moved back up. "The Dai-Tenshi were wiped out along with Uzushiogakure. You, of all people, would know that."
"I'm aware." He folded his arms. "He has the look for it, though I don't think he's aware of many of the clan's techniques. But he does have a few scrolls that are sealed by some complex fuinjutsu. I think they're Uzumaki seals but, as ironic as it is, seals are not my forte."
"Minato could have a look." The Third suggested.
"If it's no trouble."
"I wouldn't mind." Minato shrugged. "Y'know, my fiancé is an Uzumaki."
"Really? Congratulations. I guess that has it's perks." Gray closed his eyes, thinking. He turned back to the Third. "...If it's no mind...I would also like to become their sensei when they graduate."
"If they graduate." Hiruzen reminded, then chuckled as he huffed on his pipe. "But I see you have the utmost faith in them. While unorthodox, I'll take your request into consideration. Consideration only. But keep in mind, if I do grant your request, you'll have to juggle your duties as Jōnin Commander with those of a team sensei."
"Right..." Gray hummed for a second, then slooowly glanced at Minato. He smirked. "Say...how good are you at instruction?"
Minato felt himself sweat for some reason.
"Tomato Juice is different than tomatoes!"
"No it isn't! It's made from tomatoes!"
"That doesn't matter! The taste is different!"
"But it's the same! How do you love tomato juice but hate tomatoes-"
"TOMATOES ARE DISGUSTING! LONG LIVE TOMATO JUICE!"
Needless to say, a household including of two ten-year olds with a brotherly-relationship is permeated by screaming matches well into the waning hours of the day. The only reason the neighbors refrained from making a complaint was because the two were oddly endearing in their squabbles.
"We should get take-out for dinner!" Avay nursed a big cup of tomato juice, his tattoo glowing brightly. He loved that stuff with fervor, downing the whole thing in a few quick gulps that left a line of red on his upper lip, which he nonchalantly wiped away with his arm. "We're going to the Academy tomorrow and we'll need to be ready!"
"Hell no! We've already lost half the money Gray-sensei gave us-gah!" Māku began coughing furiously.
"Māku! Make sure you take some medicine before you go to bed!" Koi's voice rang from the garden.
"Okay-!" He coughed a few more times, clearing his throat before he turned back on Avay. "Ah...We've got groceries anyway!"
"You don't know how to cook." Avay said flatly.
"Do too!"
"Garbage maybe!"
"Then let Koi-sama cook!"
"No! My mind is set!" Avay pointed into the air dramatically. "I have a craving for fast food!"
"...Y'know we'll have to cut back on that for the academy, right?" Māku deadpanned.
"Then we must eat while we can!" The horned-youth declared.
Māku really wanted to keep arguing, but Avay had already jumped to his feet and rushed off to grab his winter coat. The pink-haired boy sighed, going to grab his own before the bluenette left him in the dust. He took some medicine just before heading out the door, "Koi-sama! We're going out!"
"Alright! Be back before sundown!" Their mother-figure called from the garden, where she was undoubtedly cultivating her hobby. She liked planting herbs and other interesting plants, often medicines and poisons for Gray. She took the time to show them how to identify a plant when they were younger, so while they didn't share in their hobby, something useful did come from it.
After they left, Māku mostly gazed about as they wandered through a busy street. Avay had thrown on a hood that was attachable to his blue coat, using it to hide his tell-tale horns and blue-hair. People often made fun of him for both, or just stared at him weird, the latter of which he hated even more than the former. Māku, however, was free to strut about, pink hair and all. Konoha was, as always, busy and bustling. It was almost seven in the evening, and the dinner-rush for civilians and shinobi alike had begun moments ago. Delicious scents wafted through the air, teasing many a hungry man or woman. This included the blood brothers as they strolled right through the heart of Konoha, on the lookout for a nice meal.
They ended up settling for Ramen at a little stand called "Ichiraku" or something. Neither having heard of it, they just ate in silence. The chef seemed nice enough. Avay finished before Māku did, spending the time observing his surroundings. Gray had told them that, if they were to join the Shinobi ranks, they would have to go through the academy like everyone else. As they were older than when normal students begin, the normal age being five and both of them being ten, it would be better if they learned all the practical skills needed to be able to graduate as normal. Before coming to Konoha, Gray made sure they trained as hard as possible, so they could be able to join the Academy within the week of arriving. Avay did not enjoy that whatsoever, Māku didn't really mind. At least, he was already progressing on chakra control and genjutsu, and Avay was intrigued by his clan's scrolls...
"Here." Māku said suddenly interrupting his thoughts, holding out the blue journal he had purchased earlier.
Avay stared at it, surprised. "For me?"
"I noticed you were eyeing some journals at the store the other day but couldn't make up your mind." Māku shrugged. "So I got you this one, it's your favorite shade of blue too."
Avay continued to stare in surprise, slowly taking it in hand and turning it over. Then, he smiled brightly. "Wow! Thanks, Māku-kun!"
The pinkette strained a smile. "Don't call me that...but...You're welcome."
"Yeah. You're not one to be that into reading, y'know."
"Shut up." Māku grinned truly.
A cry interrupted the moment, both boy's heads craning to look back into the small alley behind the Ramen stand. Another boy was standing over a young girl about their age. He had shoved her to the ground and now stood over her. "Get up, you weakling!" He hissed, grabbing her roughly by the arm and yanking her to her feet.
"Avay..." Māku murmured tersely.
The horned-youth watched the scene for less than a second or two, before standing up abruptly. "Hell no...Hey! Pick on someone your own size."
The other boy turned to look at him, having dropped the girl to the ground. Avay and Māku both got a better look at him, namely a better look at his eyes, which were pupiless and held a lavender tone.
"Damn it!" Māku swore and stood up; He knew a Hyuga when he saw one. Avay did too.
"Go away. This is clan business."
"And that calls for hitting a girl? What the hell does that have to do with it?" Avay snapped.
"Pfft, you wouldn't understand." He scoffed. "She is a...ugh...a member of my clan, my-"
"And that gives reason to hit her? You're sick in the head, blank-eyes." Avay jabbed a thumb back. "How about you get the hell outta here!"
The hyuga boy stepped forward. "And why should I?"
"Cause you're sick. in. the. head." Avay repeated, eyes narrowed intently. He stepped forward too, but the difference in height did not make it as impressive as he thought it would. But he persevered. "Now get out of here. You don't hurt those who can't defend themselves."
He took one step forward, now face-to-face with Avay. There was nothing but bated breath at this point, as brown eyes met lavender ones. The tension could be cut with a knife. Avay hated it, hated that small moment of tension that always preceded a fight. He'd been in scrapes before, especially with other kids. But this kid was a Hyuga, probably trained by his clan. Meanwhile, Avay could use chakra at the most basic level, but that was pretty damn much it.
"Hmph." The hyuga grunted, eyeing Avay. "You don't look like much."
"That's because he isn't much..." Māku stepped between them, actually matching the Hyuga's boy height and equaling his glare. "You're right, it's no business of ours, but you attacking those of your blood is inexcusable. Lest I see to your clan's side of things and their opinion of you attacking your blood, you may want to leave as my friend suggested."
The Hyuga stared for a long time at the pink-haired boy, then snorted and glared at Avay. "You...you watch yourself."
"I'm terrified." Avay snarked, rolling his eyes at that statement, watching the boy march off in a huff. He had sorta planned to spit in the Hyuga's eye, taking him by surprise and tackle him to the ground. He'd try to pin his arms, so he couldn't use any jutsu since just one would enough to end him.
"Y'know, didn't Gray-sensei say that you really shouldn't be that arrogant and that it could get yourself killed?"
"Yeah...One of his lessons on 'common sense', I think." Māku muttered as he eased, shoulders visibly slumping. He coughed a few times. "Ah...I'm surprised he backed off. He would've folded us like lawn-chairs if he used any jutsu or that fighting style of theirs." He gave an admonishing look. "Leave it to you to start a fight on our second day here."
"I was gonna spit in his eye and tackle him so he couldn't do anything."
"You were gonna spit in the eye of a Hyuga. A Hyuga. That's a terrible idea." Māku laughed uproariously. "You'll need to learn some jutsu and techniques yourself before showing your face around here again, lest you get your stupid ass kicked when he inevitably tries to ambush you."
"Thanks for having my back, Māku." Avay deadpanned.
"Can't change what's done, we can only move on." He reminded.
"Don't start-!"
"Um..." They both turned to the meek voice, having forgotten that the girl they were helping was still there on the ground.
"Ah hell, here, let me help you up." Avay offered a hand. Her reply was to frown and stand up on her own. "Uh alright...You okay?"
"I'm fine..." She said in a biting tone. "You didn't need to do that."
"It's no trouble...My name's Avay. That's A-V-A-I, but with a Y." He introduced himself, paused, then waved a hand to Māku. "Oh. And this is Sakura."
"Māku, you dick." The pinkette insisted, punching him in the shoulder. "Sakura's a girl name."
The girl's expression didn't change, she only bowed her head and rushed off.
Avay watched her go, before he turned to Māku. "Was it something I said? Well...Okay, I did kinda tell her cousin or whatever to F.O."
"I told him to F.O." Māku reminded. "You almost got your ass beat is what happened. Besides, I don't think that's even it. You see that look in her eye? I've seen Koi-sama with that look. I don't think she likes men."
"...Like men? Or...Boys? Or..."
"Men in general."
Avay grumbled something that sounded like, "If I was her, I wouldn't like men either."
Māku laughed.
Their first days of the Academy were both interesting and boring as hell.
Avay and Māku both entered the classroom early in the morning each day, long before anyone had come in. So they often had a moment to themselves before class. Avay popped open his journal and began scribbling and writing, Māku watched him for a second, until he eventually resorted to organizing his things in boredom. Eventually, other kids would begin filing in, giving them both very odd looks. Thankfully, Avay was too engrossed in his writing that he didn't notice. Māku didn't care for the looks and just glared back if they looked too judgmental. Their teacher was a man of medium build with blonde hair. His name was Todoroki, though they addressed him as sensei.
Throughout the weeks and months, many other kids would murmur and whisper about them, mostly pertaining to Avay's appearance. The blunette kept giving Māku a pleading look, wanting nothing more than to pummel the naysayers, but the pinkette continued to deny him with a shake his head.
The lectures were boring, both of them faced with the harsh, horrifying realities of school on a daily basis. Surprisingly, they took it rather well and listened intently. After first period, they would go outside for taijutsu sparring and chakra exercises. Both boys would instantly go at it, their spar looking very little like a spar and more like an all-out brawl. After all, they were sparring partners for years under Gray's tutelage, the academy style didn't really sit well with them. Eventually, Todoroki-sensei stopped them and explained that they should be practicing just the academy style for now or clan styles if they had them, not whatever brawling style they were utilizing. Despite their reluctance, they fell into step and began practicing. Similar to the lecture, they didn't mind it too much and fell into the routine of it.
"Is that kid giving me a look?" Avay asked at one point as they finished their third spar that day. Māku looked to where he was pointing, noticing the dark-haired, blank-eyed boy glaring at the two of them, though mainly at his blue-haired companion.
"Isn't that the Hyuga you stopped from bullying that girl the other day?"
"Yeah..." Avay stared off to the side. "Speaking of which..."
Māku turned, almost face-faulting when he noticed said girl on the other side of the field, practicing by herself.
"She's here too?"
"Wow! What are the odds?" Avay laughed. "Should we go say hi?"
"To who exactly?"
"The girl, duh. Can't hurt to be friendly."
"I don't know, if she doesn't like men like I guessed, that may be a tad bit difficult."
"Hm...Maybe you're right..."
Later, they were at lunch discussing something about Genjutsu and why nobody thought to make a genjutsu where it seemed like you had died suddenly (Come on, it was a good idea, right?) when the girl came up to them. She seemed conflicted. Avay eventually left for the restroom, so she moved closer and cleared her throat to gain Māku's attention.
"Oh hey." He greeted. "It's...nice to see you, I guess. How are you?"
"I'm...fine." She said carefully, fidgeting slightly. "I just wanted to say...thank you, for before. I was rude and didn't thank you properly...so...yeah..."
"It's no trouble." The pinkette frowned. "Your cousin isn't hurting you again, is he?"
"No." She shook her head. "He's not said a thing ever since you two stepped in."
"Good." His features softened. "He was a real scumbag...No offense."
"None taken. He's not my cousin, by the way. More like a step-brother."
"That...doesn't make it any better."
"Yeah..."
Looking at the girl, Māku did not notice anything that out of the ordinary, barring a single detail. She wore a beige long-sleeve shirt and pants, no skirt like he expected, though that was only because a skirt was "girly" in his mind and this one did not seem to fit into that category. Her hair was long, to her shoulder blades, but spiky as well. She had an odd green marking on her forehead, but he didn't say anything about that. Her eyes, the detail he noticed, were an odd bag. One black and the other lavender. That was interesting.
"None taken." She sat down at their table, a small smile appearing on her face. "My name's Maiko. Maiko Uchiha. You're Māku, right?"
"Yeah, I-" Māku blinked. "Wait, Uchiha? You mean Hyuga, right?"
"Eh..." She shrunk back. "It's...a long story."
"We got time, shoot." Māku leaned forward on his arms.
"Uh...Well...I actually don't know most of it myself." Maiko admitted, scratching her cheek. "All I really know is...my mom's an Uchiha and my dad was a Hyuga."
He slightly winced when he noticed her refer to her dad in the past tense. He knew how that felt enough to not ignore the glaring fact being handed to him. "Oh...I'm sorry. Do they...treat you okay?"
"My mom's clan is nice enough to me...She works in the Leaf Police Force. The Hyuga don't really like me...but they aren't open about it, I guess. My step-brother, Shun, was my father's first kid before his wife died. Then he met my mom and had me...and then...yeah."
"Well...It's better than nothing." The pinkette shook his head slightly. "Once more, I'm sorry. We can't change what's done, we can only move on."
"Thank you. What clan do you come from?" Maiko asked.
"None of 'em." He shook his head. "But Avay's apparently from this big, ancient clan that fought alongside the Uzumaki and Senju back in the day."
"That must be something to boast about."
"Not really. Avay never really takes stock in heritage-"
"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU JUST CALL ME!?"
Everyone in the lunch room craned their necks to look across the room, where a few boys had decided to pick on the bluenette in question. The leader sneered. "You heard us, horns-!". Needless to say, nobody was surprised when Avay flying-tackled and beat the snot out of that kid. Maiko just stared, while Māku chortled quietly.
"-Yet, he still fights with the full strength of his ancestors."
Avay, unsurprisingly, got in trouble and found himself in detention. Despite his efforts in proving that, yes, the boy deserved it, it still didn't make beating the crap out of him any less against the rules. He got back to class just before the day got out, sulking like a scolded child, this being the literal case.
"Oh boy, look who escaped from detention." Māku teased, clapping sarcastically. "Like a true ninja."
"Burn in hell." Avay took notice to Maiko, sitting at their desk like it was the most normal thing in the world. The mood seemed to lighten as he smiled, tattoo glowing brightly. "Oh hey! It's good to see you again! Sorry about the whole thing with your cousin."
"He's my step-brother actually. But it's no problem, thank you." Maiko smiled. They talked for a bit, introducing themselves and mainly discussing what she'd already talked with Māku about earlier that day. Unlike most Uchiha the boys had already, Maiko seemed to be far more mellow than her average clan mate. She probably got it from her mother, as judging from her description of her, she was the Uchiha policewoman who confirmed them as they moved into Konoha the other day. "By the way, I've never met a kid with a tattoo that glows. Is it your chakra that makes it glow?"
The question changed the topic swiftly and efficiently, as Avay went on a tangent about how he didn't know why his tattoo glowed, or why he had horns, or blue hair, among other things. But the chakra thing was a good theory; He'd have to tell Gray at some point. Māku listen to their conversation intently, smiling a bit at his companion's happiness in a potential new friend. She didn't have many friends so, despite her reservations, Maiko was welcomed into their group with no trouble.
That day was a good one.
"Koi-kaa-san!" Avay ran and hugged the red-white haired woman tightly. Koi laughed as she hugged him back. Off to the side, Gray chuckled and shook his head. He looked at Māku, who was still talking to Maiko, before saying goodbye and walking up to them, seeming surprised. "Good first day?"
"Yeah, nothing too hard, nothing too easy either. A little surprised to see you two here, actually." The pinkette smirked slightly. "Avay got into a fight at lunch, but to be fair, they kinda deserved it."
"Yeah, what he said!"
"Really?" Koi frowned down at him, then she sighed. "Be that as it may, no fighting outside spars, understood?"
"Hai, kaa-san."
"We can't change what's done, we can only move on."
"Don't throw that saying back at me, Māku." Gray warned.
"Sure." Māku chuckled. "We did make a new friend, though."
"Oh? Name?"
"Maiko Uchiha." Māku held up a finger. "But, she says her father was a Hyuga."
"Yeah!" Avay said. "Even her eyes are different, black and purplish."
"Lavender, Avay."
Koi and Gray looked at each other, surprised. "Wow, that's not something you hear everyday."
"Why's that?"
"Well..." Koi set Avay down, seeming to think. She held up a finger. "Well, the Uchiha and Hyuga don't really...like each other that well. It's not full-blown rivalry, but a union of two of them is as unlikely as a shinobi on the moon."
"Yeah, I've fought with and know a lot of both clans...That's very, very unorthodox for any member of either of 'em." Gray confirmed.
"Well, she seemed nice enough."
"I seriously think she hates men, though." Māku mused, scratching his chin. "I mean...she kept giving glares to other boys who talked to us, never girls though. She tolerates us enough, but we met her yesterday and all she did was give us the stink eye after we made her step-brother run off."
"You did what?"
"Oops, jury's out."
"Smooth." Avay snarked. "In our defense, he was messing with her, throwing her to the ground and stuff, we couldn't let him just do that."
"Shinobi don't play hero, Avay; It's too costly-" Gray paused when Koi glared at him. He sighed. "But...you did the right thing, just don't pick fights with the Hyuga. Their gentle-fist style will bring you down quick and you'll have to be in the hospital for the damage to heal." He frowned behind his mask. "What was her step-brother's name anyway?"
Avay and Māku exchanged looks.
"Shiki, was it?"
"Nah, Maiko-chan said it was Shun."
"Yeah, that's it."
Gray nodded, looking off to the side, watching some of the other children meet their parents. His expression was unreadable, despite his mask. Koi simply clapped her hands together. "Well, I'm glad you two had a good first day! Let's all treat ourselves tonight. I made barbecue!"
The last time they had barbecue, Koi had to force-feed Avay. He hated that stuff with passion not unlike the Will of Fire itself. Seeing his expression, Māku kinda pitied him.
...Just a little bit.
Days turned to weeks, weeks to months. Māku's birthday came on the 27th of March, Avay's came on the 11th of September, and Maiko's was on October the 2nd. Now eleven years of age each, it was the end of the school year and Gray's afternoon training became harder and tougher than ever. Now that they could call on chakra easy enough, he was planning on adding jutsu to their repertoire. Several basic elemental jutsu were demonstrated and practiced.
They could use Kunai offensively and had decent aim with shuriken, though Avay had superior aim to Māku, while Maiko bested them both. She could hit a bullseye eight times out of ten. Being Uchiha-raised had it's perks apparently. In regards to taijutsu, Māku suddenly outpaced both of them out of nowhere. He was a natural fighter it seemed, with Maiko coming in close second.
The next academy year, starting in January, they were being taught the henge jutsu, which allowed you to transform into various object, people, and such; at least that's how Avay described it. It was a bit harder than the Kawarimi, so they prepared to push themselves to get it just right. Whatever the case, they had little trouble with anything overall and made decent progress. They weren't top of the class of anything, that honor went to Maiko's "scumbag of half-brother", as Avay would say. Something must have happened to him, because he hadn't even talked to the girl after school or anything, nor did he threaten or bully her anymore. He still was an ass to Avay and himself, but that was expected. All three weren't entirely sure of the reason...but Māku had a sneaking suspicion that Gray knew why.
"Alright, you two...three." Gray entered the clearing, catching sight of Maiko. "Oh, hello Maiko-san. Are you joining us today?"
"Hai, Gray-sensei." The girl bowed. "My mother said it was fine. The Instructor is sick today, anyway."
"Alright, this may be a bit unorthodox then." The grey-haired hunter-nin scratched his chin under his mask. "Y'see, I've been summoned by the Hokage for an important task and can't give you all training, probably for a while..."
"Is it something to with the ninja at the border that you mentioned to Koi-sama?" Māku asked.
"Can't tell ya, sorry-"
"It totally is." Māku said to the others, who nodded in reply.
"Māku, shush. Now because I'd rather not neglect your training like a bad teacher, I've got you a substitute sensei. I've actually been meaning to have him help you guys out a bit ever since you began the Academy, but we've both been busy."
"Does he know any fuinjutsu?" Avay asked, sitting cross-legged with one of his clan scrolls in his hand. He was having trouble grasping the basics of seals without a proper teacher, and Gray wasn't exactly of uzumaki-blood.
"I know a little." With quiet a surprise and a bit of a shrill scream from the horned-boy, a blonde man appeared next to him in an instant, scaring pretty much all three of them. He smiled brightly at them. "Hello. I'm Minato Namikaze. It's nice to meet you all."
Avay, Māku, and even Maiko stared for a few seconds, before the former of the three suddenly yelled out, "Whoa! How'd you do that? That was awesome!"
The blonde jounin smiled a bit. "It's a bit complicated to explain."
"And I've not bribed...paid him to teach you anything like that." Gray smiled sheepishly behind his mask. "But as for anything about seals, he will definitely be able to help you. He's taking time off from teaching his own team for this, by the way. So don't give him trouble, understand?"
"Hai, sensei."
The old Ronin waved to Minato and vanished. The blonde man stood up and took stock of all three of them. All three wore very dark colors, black shirts and pants, with combat boots rather than the standard sandals most ninja wore. They were taking pointers from Gray, who dressed similarly.
Avay had looked back down to the scroll in his hand, studying the script wrapped around it, using his other hand to copy it down in a small blue journal at his side. With his knowledge, Minato could see it was a complex locking seal, with an ingrained blood-seal mixed in. That meant only Avay could open it. He "tsk'd" at the missed opportunity, he should've brought Kushina along, she would've loved to check that out.
Māku sat staring back at him, obviously waiting for instructions. Typically, he would mention that vibrant hair colors like Pink was a bad thing for a shinobi. But he'd feel it would be hypocritical since he had married a red-head and the boy's teammate had light-blue hair and literal horns, so being inconspicuous was a no-no unless they became extremely good with henge.
The other, the interloper since he was told there would only be two, was the uchiha-hyuga girl. Gray had mentioned her in passing, as did Kushina who had heard about her from Mikoto Uchiha. Apparently, there was an Uchiha woman who fell in love with a Hyuga man, Romeo-Juliet style, and had a kid before the man died from unknown causes. Unfortunately, the father had another child with one of his fellow Hyuga prior to this, who remained with the clan as the now-single mother worked day and night to support her daughter. Surprisingly, the Uchiha clan was ambivalent to the child's existence. They treated her the same as any other Uchiha child. Meanwhile, the Hyuga slapped a caged-bird seal on the poor girl for when she first manifests her Byakugan and her step-brother's foster parents taught him to hate her.
Minato shook his head, god knows what that seal would do to a Sharingan if she ever developed one.
"Minato-sensei, just so you know, Maiko and I are fine with simple sparring today if you're gonna help Avay." Māku raised a hand, head inclined to the side. Maiko looked surprised by this information, but the mixed-blooded girl nodded all the same. "It's no trouble, he really needs the help anyway."
"Oh? Okay, then." As the two went off to begin sparring, Minato turned to Avay. "...So tell me, Avay, how'd you come by these scrolls?"
"Um..." The bluenette frowned, closing his journal. "I've just always had them, I guess. I'm an orphan, yeah? When I was brought to the orphanage Koi-Okāsan and Gray-sensei worked at, I was carrying them with me in this pack." He motioned to the brown satchel on his side. It was worn with age. "There were a bunch of notes and a journal, plus a scroll that didn't have any seals on it, so I was able to read those soon enough."
"What did they say?"
"Basic history of my clan, plus some hints as to what techniques we used." The boy frowned, scratching at the two protrusions on his head. "And yet, it never mentioned horns..."
Minato smiled a bit. "I can guess that's disconcerting."
"I guess. I thought I'd get more trouble from them, but aside from the usual jeer or insult, everyone seems cool with them."
"Maybe they assume it's a bloodline?"
"Maybe, I don't know much about those." Avay shrugged, tattoo glowing softly. "Apparently, my clan were related to the Uzumaki clan, both lived in the Land of Whirlpools. A lot of people have told me that it's not true, that they were only close allies, but I doubt those notes would lie. Of course, I can only guess what happened to them...and it isn't exactly nice to think about."
"You don't remember your village?"
"No. Like I said, I'm an orphan. I was really young when whatever destroyed it went down."
"Hmm...You should meet a friend of mine, Kushina Uzumaki." Minato said.
Avay's eyes narrowed. "Friend? You mean your wife?"
"Eh? How do you know-"
"Gray-sensei told us." Avay answered instantly, shrugging. "Congratulations, I guess. I would definitely like to meet her."
"Yeah...I'm...I'm sure you two could talk about it some more." The blonde's eyebrow was raised, wondering what else Gray told these kids about him. He knelt down next to him. "So, let's take a look at these scrolls."
The next day, Maiko was surprised to find herself the first one to arrive at the training field Avay and Māku frequented. She waited for a long time, until Minato showed up as well. Even he was surprised to find only her there. Eventually, the two blood brothers showed up, in a less-than-positive state. Māku had dark rings under his eyes, clothes ruffled and covered in what looked like soot, looking like he would fall over any second. He let out a few coughs, shaking some of it off. Avay, on the other hand, looked shell shocked. Eyes wide in surprise, covered head-to-toe in ash.
"Uh..." Maiko gaped. "Are...you two okay?"
"No." Was Māku's matter-of-fact answer. "Avay was practicing seals last night. He is now in need of a new bedroom, and he is sleeping on the couch tonight."
Minato winced. Maybe he should have told Avay to only practice explosive seals in a safe environment.
Probably with supervision too.
The passing days blended together once more, their time in the Academy going by without a fuss. Another class of genin graduated and life went on for the three kids. Avay had greatly improved upon his fuinjutsu abilities and was working on his speed under the guidance of Minato Namikaze. It wasn't to say it was easy, He made him work hard for it, pushing the young teen to his limits every single day.
The blunette looked up to the blonde man. Minato was a skilled shinobi in his own right and excelled in fuinjutsu where he himself was lacking. Training with him was honestly the better parts of his day. Maiko couldn't help but notice his demeanor changing ever-so-slightly thanks to these interactions. He was a little less loud than before and seemed to be maturing quickly. Minato had taught him to keep a clam tone of speaking, even if Avay continued to be a bit snarky. His tattoo, once a shining beacon to show how he felt, was often cold and colorless on his sun-kissed skin. That wasn't to say his personality took a complete one-eighty, he was still a bit eccentric and would yell if someone challenged what he believed in or did something cool. At least he wasn't fighting everyone who mentioned his horns.
"It may be that journal he's scribbling in all the time." Koi had said when She and Māku brought it up. "Or...maybe he's just growing up. Spending time with Minato-san...A man like that can teach you a few things about life. That said, you never stay the same as you were as a child. I would know, Gray was kinda like him at his age."
"Don't bring me into this!" Their sensei had complained.
Maiko noted that even she had changed over the three years she'd known Avay and Māku. Thanks to Shun, she had never trusted men all that well. He had bullied and belittled her all her life. Some of that trauma seemed to make her direct her anger at men in general. Nobody had stood up to him until the boys came along. So, she never gained a respect for them. She could easily say she had changed for the better. Gray even helped her learn the Gentle-Fist, having claimed to have picked it up at some point in the past. Plus, she had begun learning medical ninjutsu and how to use her newly-awakened byakugan alongside it. Her mother was so proud of her and encouraged her to keep pushing herself to become even better.
Then there was Māku, who was the least-changed out of all of them. His cough, something Maiko worried about, had ebbed away and pretty much vanished. While his own eccentricity seemed to increase and overwhelm his rationalism, he had just focused on learning all about genjutsu. He even spoke to and got tips from Uchiha and other specialists in the field. Though, surprisingly, he was top of the class in taijutsu, even beating out Maiko, Avay, and even Shun; nobody cared about the last one though.
Yet, somehow, he still picked up a hobby of collecting playing cards that had real world shinobi and famous figures on them instead of the normal hearts and spades and such. Not only that, they were signed by said figures they were based on. Avay was cool with it and even helped out looking for them. Meanwhile, Maiko was completely confused as to why he began the hobby in the first place and why said historical figures bothered to sign playing cards of all things. It made no sense to her, to be honest.
It was spring now. Everyone had discarded their coats for cooler clothing. The snow had melted and the flowers had bloomed. It was gorgeous, watching the world change. The land of fire was awe-inspiring on days like this. Maiko, Māku, and Avay were in the middle of Academy's training ground. They all wore similar clothing; A black shirt, grey pants with black leggings that covered their feet. Their belongings sat by a nearby tree, the branches swaying in the wind.
The three Academy students glared at one another, tension filling the air like a choking cloud of smoke. Their faces were scrunched up, thinking and plotting. Māku raised his hand, two pairs of eyes snapping to him, watching his every movement. Twitches of his muscles, the sweat rolling down his temple, no move went unnoticed. He glared back with determined emerald eyes, not daring to give anything away. Then, as the tension broke, he made his move...
"Two fives!" He declared, slapping down two playing cards that were face down, not showing what they were. Avay and Maiko groaned as he grinned smugly at them. "Any takers?"
Avay glared at him, the ploy so obvious that it hurt. He had only a few cards left, did he really want to make this gamble? He decided to double check, just to make sure. With that, he gave a quick fake chuckle before smirking back at the pinkette, who's poker-face suddenly faltered at the abrupt change in expression. He tried to salvage it but Avay's eyes twinkled with light, matching the glow of satisfaction his tattoo decided to give off.
"Bullshit." He said simply, turning over the cards Māku had thrown down. It revealed the faces of the Third Raikage, a five of spades, and...Orochimaru of the Legendary Sannin, an Ace of Clubs.
"Dammit!" Māku swore, slamming down the rest of his cards. "That's bullshit!"
"The name of the game." Maiko giggled.
"Oh be quiet! You probably used your byakugan!"
"Nope! I didn't, honest!" She placed a hand over her lavender-colored eye for emphasis.
Avay laughed, smirk growing. "Get your cards, Māku-kun."
The pinkette huffed, collecting the stack of cards in the middle and adding it to his own. The objective of the game was to place down and get rid of all your cards, in a sequence of ace, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, king, queen, jack, then back to ace. Of course, if you had multiple cards of whatever one you needed to place down, you could place all of them. Nobody else could see them, but if they called you out and it turned out that you placed a card out of sequence, you collect all placed down cards.
The game, while the name was crude, was actually really useful for shinobi in training. It helped train you to detect bluffs and lies. Plus, the three always wanted a use for Māku's special shinobi playing cards.
Unfortunately, it didn't count as training.
"Māku! Avay! Maiko!" They collectively jumped and sighed as the teacher walked over. "You are supposed to be sparring, not goofing off with a card game!'
"Hai, Todoroki-sensei!" They mumbled in unison.
They collected the cards and stood up, getting in sparring positions. But before they could begin, the intercom crackled, the headmaster's voice ringing out sharply, "Attention! All students and teachers report to your homerooms immediately!"
Did he sound...worried?
"You heard him! Back to the classroom!"
There was a chorus of disappointed groans all around them. But the three were far more interested in the activities on the perimeter, notably the collected of masked ANBU sitting atop roofs and fences, watching over them as they moved back into the Academy. The trio gave each other another look of worry before they collected their stuff and headed back inside. They filed back into homeroom, sitting at their desks. Hushed murmurs followed, ones of curiosity and unease. The three kept looking at one another, a sour feeling rooting in their guts as the teacher came back in and called roll. Afterwards, an ANBU walked in and whispered something to him. Without missing a beat, he nodded and looked directly at them.
"Maiko, Māku, and Avay. You are being dismissed, collect your belongings and go to the front desk."
"Hai!" Their curiosity only got more intense as they complied.
Nodding goodbyes to their classmates, they exited the classroom and headed down to the front desk. The whole situation was getting more and more intense and their questioning only got more and more insatiable. What was going on?
"This is odd." Avay murmured bluntly, his companions muttered in agreement.
They got into the main office, a tinge of relief hitting them as they saw Gray standing at the front desk. He snapped his attention towards them, nodding backwards in a wordless order to follow him. They always knew he was going to be their sensei when they graduated and became Genin, so he had already went ahead and drilled them with hand signals and gestures, silent commands to aid them in the field.
So, they followed him outside and through the streets. The presence of ANBU was understated, with two or more operatives on almost every corner, constantly moving around the village. Mingled in were other shinobi, Jōnin-sensei with their teams rushing off past them.
"Sensei, what's happening?" Māku asked finally.
"Martial law." Gray turned up his head, adjusting his hunter-nin mask idly. "For the past few years, there has been unrest within the five elemental nations. Our power as nations has declined severely. The smaller nations have seen this weakness and have risen up to take power. Shinobi have been spotted at our borders time and time again, always disappearing before we could identify them. We thought perhaps it was just Kumogakure...but recently we spotted Iwa making moves on us too, Kiri as well. And it's not just us, some of our allies, however few there may be, have reported nations, both big and small, probing their borders and harassing them."
"You aren't saying it's..." Maiko's eyes widened.
"War?" The old Ronin stared forward. "...Perhaps I am."
"Shit..." Avay muttered, hand on his forehead.
"Shit indeed..." Māku agreed.
"Hush you two, this is serious!" Maiko smacked them both upside the head before turning to Gray. "What're we gonna do, Sensei?"
Gray looked down at her, light glinting off his mask.
"From this day forward, you are all Genin under my command." He straightened up as they gaped in surprise.
"But...graduation is only a few months away!"
"We can't wait that long, you would all pass anyway. They are sending Genin to the frontlines, but your duties shall differ from the average team, not that that will exactly be exclusive to you three. As Jōnin-Commander, my role is typically strategy and such, though going into the field is part of the job. You will be accompanying me during such excursions."
"Onto the battlefield, you mean?" Maiko frowned. "Do you...really think we're ready?"
"Hai." Gray asserted firmly, looking at each of them. "Maiko, you are an excellent medic for your age, and one of the few uchiha-blooded medics in shinobi history. Not only that, you've inherited two of the greatest kekkei genkais of the Leaf. Māku, you are the brain and brawn of this team. Your offensive capabilities outrank those of your peers by miles and your skill in genjutsu could one day rival the Uchiha's sharingan. Avay, you've been tutored by one of the fastest shinobi in history. You excel in fuinjutsu and have proven so. While you may not pack a punch, you certainly are a skilled shinobi. All three of you, you are ready. I know it."
They stared in surprise, looking to one another, then back to him.
"Do you really have that much faith in us, Gray-sensei?"
The man only looked back at them, turning his skyward for a second.
"Do you really have that much faith in them, Gray?" The Third asked him, aged brow furrowed as he stared the man down. Gray stared back, un-moving from his stance and unwavering in his faith. He had trained them as hard as he could, so if there was another war, they would be just fine. That was the one thing nobody knew about him. He had fought in two wars, one almost lasting a decade, and the experience of both had been drilled into his head. He lost friends. Many friends and allies. Some had died in his arms. He had slain some himself. His heart grew heavier with each one that passed. Nobody, much less children, should go through that. But that's the way it is...That's the way the world is.
Then he met Koi again and spent time with her at the orphanage.
Then, he met Avay and Māku, and later Maiko.
He saw what they could do.
He knew.
"I do." He nodded.
Gray reached up and undid his mask, letting it fall from his face. The trio stared wide-eyed, none of them having seen his face before, as he revealed himself to them. Needless to say, for someone pushing fifty, he didn't look half-bad. Gray held his mask down by his side, looking at them with soft lavender eyes. The eyes of a Hyuga.
"I do." The old ronin nodded. "You are all ready, I've put my faith in you. Every one of you, understand?"
After the moment of shock, they nodded. "Hai!"
Gray smiled, replacing his mask quickly. "Good, now head home and get your gear. We'll meet up at the Hokage's office to receive your Hitai-ate and our team's orders."
"Hai!" They said again as Gray headed off. Maiko looked at them, surprised. "Did you two know he was a Hyuga?"
"Nope." Māku shook his head. "He's never taken that mask off, not even when going to bed."
"It's like that Kakashi kid on Minato-sensei's team to a higher-degree." Avay agreed, then frowned. "Wait...They're sending genin to fight?"
"The last war of almost a decade and half ago." Māku reminded. "Plus, like sensei said, our power has declined since then. We're not ready for a war, we need anyone who can hold a kunai at this point. Not saying I agree with it though."
"Hm." Maiko nodded, than pumped her arms. "Alright! You heard Sensei, we gotta get our gear! My stuff is at you guys' place so we'll only need one trip."
"Right." Māku looked at Avay. "Well? Wanna do the honors, Avay?"
"Shut it and take my hand."
He held out his right arm, which they both took hold of, their other hands latching onto his shoulders for support. Avay held up his left hand, fingers open as the exposed tattoo glowed with chakra, all emitting from the back of his left hand. His eyes closed in concentration, the glow going from warm to almost blazing, a blue fire that crossed his left cheek. In his mind, he could feel his chakra envelop them all. Then he clenched his fist and, without a sound and with nauseating speed, they vanished in a flash.
Off they went, to the Third Shinobi World War.
-Present Day-
"And now, to introduce the Godamie Hokage of Konohagakure! Heir to the Dai-Tenshi clan, apprentice to the Yondamie and personally selected as his successor, Avay Dai-Tenshi!"
Avay stepped outside at the cue, the cool mid-day air carrying a gentle breeze as he moved up the platform. The red-white hat atop his head shielding his eyes from the sunlight, shrouding his face in shadow as he looked down to the amassed crowd. He had forgone the white cloak, the suddenness and uncertainty of the situation not giving way for tradition. There were already murmurs and a few shouts from the crowd below. Nobody knew who he was, he was truly a nobody, a nameless shinobi who fought and could have potentially died in the war. It was all true. But he kept his head up and cleared his throat.
"I take no pleasure in replacing Lord Fourth's position in the event of his untimely passing." His voice carried swift, hushing the crowd with his conviction. Thank god he rehearsed this damn speech. "Our village has been through hell these past few years and I have witnessed it all. The Third Shinobi World War has left scars and open wounds on our bodies, hearts, and minds. We've lost loved ones, friends, family. And just when we thought these scars could heal, the Kyubi appears to tear open those scars to bleed anew. But we can't change what's done, we can only move on. And move on we shall. No longer shall we roll over and let ourselves be tormented by the world. It is right to show compassion, but those who mistake our compassion for weakness will suffer far worse than we have. We look after our own and those who call themselves our allies." Avay's brown eyes flashed blue. "This is our Will of Fire."
Mediocre as the speech may be, he was only seventeen after all, the crowd ate it up and roared with cheers of approval. Was it that easy? He had made it a point not to point out his inadequacies as a Hokage candidate. Being in office already, the last thing he needed was people knowing how inexperienced he was. Being Minato's apprentice had it's benefits, but that didn't mean he was next in line for the hat. Yet, his late second-sensei left it to him in a final letter. Avay shuddered slightly, taking off the hokage's hat and holding it aloft, hiding his unease and uncertainty with the grandiose gesture. What the young man wasn't aware of, was the presence of the two figures in the distance, having watched his speech with interest.
"Well done, Danzo-sama." The masked figure chuckled. "He needs some work, but this one will make an excellent puppet."
"Hmm...Hiruzen and Minato were far too lenient." The bandaged man grumbled. "While this one isn't quite what I hoped for, his experience in war and inexperience as Hokage should prove quite helpful in swaying him fully to our side of thinking."
"And all it took was a forged letter..."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Next Chapter: "2 - An Interesting Job"
A/N
Thanks for reading! This chapter is kinda boring, I admit, only some world-building and introducing the characters. I know it isn't perfect, far from it, but I've got some nice ideas for this story and how it'll play out. I just really wanted to do an OC!Hokage fic, taking a previous OC of mine and reducing his OP qualities by several magnitudes. Yeah! Guess what, everyone? Avay used to be OP as shit! He had a Byakugan-Sharingan, he could copy kekkei-genkai by touch, and he was the jinchuuriki of the Eleven-Tailed Raccoon. Does that sound awesome or what? I sure thought so before I grew a brain.
Of course, I changed his character a lot. He used to be cocky as hell, now he's rather modest and extremely pragmatic. He couldn't care less about heritage, preferring one's personal strength to that of their clan. This will give him interesting dynamics as Hokage, since his personal views and inexperience end up giving him a unique approach to clan and village matters. His abilities and skills are still somewhat the same, minus the OP abilities. He has several clan abilities, two-bloodlines that make him perfect for tracking and espionage. Those will be shown later though. The true purpose of the Dai-Tenshi clan, and their exact relation to the Uzumaki, will be explored in the next chapter.
Maiko's Uchiha-Hyuga ancestry actually stemmed from Avay's Byakugan-Sharingan and a detail I noticed in a databook. Apparently, if a hyuga and uchiha have a kid, that kid will get a single sharingan and a single byakugan, rather than a byakugan-sharingan mix. I thought that was a cool concept, so I'm working with it.
Māku is a fun character, his past is a secret, though his bond with Avay is definitely strong. Originally, he had a support role, but that was boring so I changed it up so he's the best fighter, but gave him a few new flaws. His shinobi playing-cards are unique and play into the plot, keep an eye on them when they crop up!
Since this is more or less an introduction chapter, a few key details will be
elaborated on in the next chapter.
See you then!