Chapter 2: The humiliation of Gaki and crew.
Disclaimer: Naruto and all associated creations are not my intellectual property. This work was written in homage.
Kakashi tensed slightly as he watched Naruto's charge. The boy had good speed for a Genin and though he was angry he maintained form as he sped towards the Jounin flinging a kunai at Kakashi as he closed in.
Not surprisingly Kakashi caught the projectile although he showed his skill by using the index finger of his free hand to snatch it out of the air by the ring holder without looking up from his book.
Yet Naruto was not intimidated and kept coming. He attacked the Jounin with what were to him a blinding series of clawed strikes and knees, but Kakashi dodged or blocked each hit, and all the while he never stopped scanning the lines of his novel.
Naruto began to grow enraged at the disrespect, and his form dropped imperceptibly. Kakashi's eyes suddenly narrowed as he noticed the miniscule opening and switched from defense to attack.
Just as Naruto engaged a flying drop kick aiming to brain Kakashi with his left heel the Jounin ducked around and under the unbalanced Genin. Naruto only had to time swivel his neck. Only enough time to watch as Kakashi planted a firm elbow in his ribcage and he was sent skidding away in throbbing agony.
"Fuck," Naruto gritted out as he quickly regained his footing whilst clutching his stricken side. His eyes were drawn to the tinkling bells which were secured to Kakashi's waist, and he felt the rage continue to build. He glared at the Jounin.
"Now I have to fuck you up," he threatened. It seemed the blood has truly gone to his head. Yelling he charged again, but this time he leaped into the air when he got to within ten meters of the more experienced Shinobi.
Remembering the briefing Jiraiya had given him Kakashi immediately put away his book.
"Tajuu... Kage Bunshin no jutsu!" Naruto yelled at the apex. There were poofs and clouds of smoke as his clones materialized. Then over a dozen of them rained out of the sky.
Amazing... not only can he use Kage Bunshin a Jounin level technique, but he has mastered it to the point where he only needs a half seal, and he has chakra to burn! Hearing about it is one thing... Seeing it quite another!
Kakashi began to dispatch the clones with consummate ease as they met him in combat, yet he was forced to use the full range of his close fighting abilities. The clones displayed a high level of strategic thought, but thankfully the technique's imperfection was the clones' lack of defensive power, and soon he was thinning out the ranks.
…...
…...
The simplistic patterns dawned on him. He was being manipulated into a particular rhythm of movement and placement – almost like a physical Genjutsu. His estimation of the boy moved up two notches. Then Kakashi's single eye blazed with concentration as two clones burst out of the ground latching on to him like human leeches.
He spotted the original gaining pace. Naruto was diving forward... straining mightily for one of the bells. Kakashi tried to move out of the way using brute force, but the clones had locked up his movement. He felt two more pile themselves on his back making his knees buckle.
Falling back on the essentials Kakashi craftily used a quick Kwarami to substitute himself for one of Naruto's own distant clones. One of the hidden weaknesses to Kage Bunshin that only a true master of the technique would immediately spot.
Which Naruto was apparently, for he cut off his attack dive and came up after a roll orientated towards Kakashi's new position. The Genin hopeful relaxed his defensive posture when he saw that the Jounin was some distance away, and then he dispersed his clones with a shrug.
"Respect dude... you must be trying hard not to kill me 'cause I'm going all out here. Only thing left is to use a summon..." Naruto said. His voice trailed off as his eyes widened in realization. "That's it isn't it! We need to -"
"Too late Naruto," Kakashi said as his hands blazed through seals. "I did warn you that you were in my range..." The Genin began to scramble back bringing a smile to Kakashi's mask.
"Futile. It's time you learned your lesson. Magen: Sanjuu Kokoni Arazu no Jutsu!" the Jounin intoned. He was sure that Naruto wouldn't be able to dodge, or dispel the technique in time to save his would be teammates.
Naruto tried to retreat as he felt the Jutsu begin to take hold, but suddenly the air around him began to shimmer and the scenery changed. He could feel the hot sun beating down on him. Involuntary beads of sweat and sweltering shock hit him as a sudden gale of wind brought sand to grit his teeth and chalk his tongue.
"Great..." he said.
"A fucking desert. Isn't that swell."
Naruto had known from early on in his training that he was useless when it came avoiding Genjutsu traps. If he couldn't stay out of range then he was pretty much toast, and it was part of the reason Kage Bunshin formed the basis for his style. Theoretically he could use his clones to work out if he was facing a Genjutsu user, and then act accordingly.
Jiraiya had also drilled him extensively on how to escape the damn things, but in the real time of combat it was a glaring weakness that could one day get him killed on the battle field.
I wonder how realistic Kakashi wants to be. Naruto worried suddenly as he closed his eyes and brought his hands into a seal of negation.
"Kai!"
Naruto expelled his Chakras smoothly in a strong surge. He was actually quite good at dispelling Genjutsu though he hated the fact he couldn't block the illusions easily. When he opened his eyes he was confident he would once again face his Jounin enemy, and this time Naruto would try to work with the others.
He grinned in triumph only to catch another mouthful of sand as a gale of wind buffeted him. It sent him tumbling down an imaginary desert dune until he came to rest squinting up at the baleful sun.
….
"Kai!"
…...
"This is going to take a while," Naruto sighed.
Meanwhile Sasuke had been an avid spectator analyzing both participants for weaknesses as he watched Naruto duel Kakashi. To his mild annoyance the blond displayed good Taijutsu and extensive knowledge of the same Jounin level technique he had revealed back at the academy, but Sasuke didn't spare Naruto too much attention this time around. He had his eyes firmly on the prize. One of the bells that dangled from Kakashi's waist.
Naruto went down waving his hands about and cartwheeling about the place. Obviously he had been hit with some kind of Genjutsu because the fool was taking off all his clothes and armor as if it was sweltering hot just as a light drizzle was beginning to spring up.
Sasuke chuckled lightly to himself, but then he became serious and alert. Kakashi had his head turned away and his guard down. He was beginning to walk in the other direction as if going in search of the other two applicants.
Grinning sadistically Sasuke immediately threw a barrage of Kunai and Shuriken at the hapless Jounin.
You did say we should come prepared to kill you.
The metal whispers of death snuck up on Kakashi following wide parabolic arcs as they were thrown by a true pro. Sasuke still recalled the endless hours he had spent mastering Shuriken technique's under the tutelage of his brother.
The barrage hit home. Sasuke was just about to rush out to rob the body when he saw Hyuuga Hinata, his class rival, burst out from opposite already at running speed.
Sasuke snarled and forced himself forward. It would be just like her to take advantage of even him, and reap his labor, but once they were both in the open they were both stunned. Kakashi's form dissipated in a cloud of smoke replaced by a Kunai pierced log.
"What is the academy teaching you kids these days? History lessons?" Kakashi's voice came from behind them. "Kwarami, Henge, and Bunshin. These are the technique's that allow Shinobi to survive when they are mastered and used together," The Jounin regarded the children. They looked scared, but at least they weren't running away.
"Hinata I think this next lesson is for you... Taijutsu," he said. Of the two he thought it was time she was brought down a peg. She should have known he wouldn't fall for such bait and bid her time. She didn't even have the decency to operate with Byakugan on. She was underestimating him.
"I don't think I need taijutsu lessons from you Kakashi-san," Hinata answered coldly, but she got into stance. Finally that renowned bloodline showed itself and delicate veins began to encircle her dilated eyes.
"Hinata," Sasuke whispered urgently by her side. "We can take him together. Let the new kid fail while we get the bells," he said.
The wind brought a spray of the light rain to plaster and tangle loose locks of her dark hair about her face. "Great now you want to rely on me?"
Sasuke blanched. "Fine take a Jounin on your own stupid," he hissed. "You'll just tire him out enough for me to finish him off."
Hinata graced him with a slight smirk. "I don't need to take him... just to take a bell. Now go find another tree to hide in or something while I do all the work. I'll snatch the other one for you if you play nice," she said.
Sasuke was so furious words refused to erupt from his mouth. He whirled away with a leap leaving Hinata to her folly.
Kakashi watched the by-play in silence and he let Sasuke leave. He had a calculating air as he watched the student vanish into the brush.
Forgetting about the boy for the moment he kept an idle eye on Hinata as she edged close at a deceptively slow pace. He only pretended to read his book. All Konoha Shinobi had a healthy respect for the Hyuuga and their techniques.
Suddenly Hinata aimed a series of strikes at him. Kakashi was forced to retreat before the brunt of her assault blocking and dodging. Her attack speed was higher than he had estimated, and before he knew it Icha Icha was in his pocket.
She caught him with a glancing blow at his right elbow joint as they danced violently - partially sealing the tenketsu there.
Jheez who's teaching the lesson here!
He wasn't a Jounin for nothing though and he retaliated ducking under a lancing right palm as he dodged towards her right. Their feet churned up the now wet earth as they heaved to the rhythm of combat.
Hinata turned with him aiming her free left at his partially exposed solar per plexus, but he deflected the strike with his wrist like the well trained in-fighter he was. She was persistent and her other hand struck the side of his neck, but Kakashi moved into the blow shrugging off the pain as she injected her Chakras into his body. He was close now and his free arm shot forward. He grabbed Hinata by her loose Hyuuga robes pulling her even closer still
The Jounin-sensei could smell her anxiety as Hinata stumbled forward. He felt her terror and then sudden anger as she opted for a traditional female tactic stabbing at his groin with her knee.
But Kakashi was ready for her and caught the strike between his thighs. He flung them both to the ground further limiting her motion as they got clogged up in a tangle of limbs and mud.
Hinata screamed in frustration as Kakashi swarmed all over her. The fact that he was a man and she a woman made the violation all the more visceral and bestial as he gained her back forcing her to roll over and squirm into the mire.
"Get off me!"
Kakashi had her left shoulder in a lock and his legs wrapped tight around her. She was bucking and fighting against his strength but a small adjustment brought his arms to snake around her head constricting her from behind.
"Give up Hinata-chan," he commanded.
Her struggles were already furious. Now they became wild and frantic. The veins spread around her still active Byakugan bulged with stress. "Never..." she managed to hiss.
"Give up or you'll pass out," Kakashi stated. He felt her hands scrabbling around his waist for the bells. Caught up in the heat of battle she remembered the objective when it was already too late.
"Have it your way," Kakashi sighed as he applied a little more pressure. Slowly Hinata's vain attempts seized as her hands stilled. When he was sure that she had lost consciousness he released her and stood up smoothly.
"Now then," he stretched luxuriously wondering how his limited edition copy of Icha Icha nine would fare under the heavy rain. "One left."
He didn't have to look far. He found Sasuke at the memorial stone itself. The boy seemed to be waiting for him. He had been sitting cross legged in meditation facing the three prepared bentos when Kakashi arrived. He did not rise to meet the Jounin in challenge.
"Already going for the food? Sasuke-kun?" Kakashi asked mildly. Trying not to let his fatigue show. "That seems like something Naruto would have done," he said hoping Sasuke decided he wasn't reading because of the rain, and not because he could no longer afford to showboat.
Raven hair let out a low laugh.
"Why not end this farce and give me a bell? Or pass us all already... looks like you were ready to fill our stomachs at least," Sasuke said.
"Why would I pass you? Because you've mastered the cowardly attack from ambush? At least the others faced me while you... negotiate," Kakashi said feeling slightly disappointed, but the kid only laughed again.
"Not very Shinobi like of them," Sasuke said as he finally stood up. He turned to face Kakashi with the appearance of calm, but the Jounin could see dark emotions lurking and frothing beneath the surface.
"Those two aren't on my level. Not when it comes to ability... or intelligence."
This brat has a high opinion of himself.
"... I don't care who you give the other bell to. You can choose. I wanted Hinata, but turns out she's as idiotic as the rest of the class. Don't know about the blond. Just give me a bell is all I know," Sasuke said.
"For a twisted genius you sure do talk a lot. Maybe I'll just pass the two of them and leave you to rot in the academy. That's where you belong if you think you can convince me to rig my own test,"
"You're tiring Kakashi. You may be a Jounin but I saw you fight, and an Uchiha remembers everything." Sasuke settled into stance. He kept one palm facing outwards and adopted a low slung crouch.
"That's Kakashi-sensei to you," Kakashi said serious-like before he suddenly started chuckling. "So you're an Uchiha huh... I never would have thunk it... A full grown Uchiha."
"I'm the last Uchiha," Sasuke said as he rose to the bait. He hadn't noticed it before but Kakashi had been steadily inching closer to him. "You already knew that."
"Really? Well last I heard full grown Uchihas had a pair of these," copy cat Kakashi said as he slowly raised his slanted forehead protector to reveal his lone Sharingan to Sasuke.
"Third lesson... Ninjutsu..."
Sasuke almost fell to his knees from the shock. "This will be over quickly boy," Kakashi promised.
"What! How?"
"Don't bother asking," Kakashi said as he aimed a speeding hook at Sasuke's temple. "Because I'm not telling," the runt had the presence of mind to contort out of the way towards the ground, and then the effrontery to launch himself into a flying kick.
Sasuke used his hands to power himself away from the earth and into the kick almost as if he was doing a handstand and the weakness of his technique showed as Kakashi blocked the attack and grabbed him, but to the Jounin's surprise he found himself clutching on to clumps of dirt and a small log.
"Kwarami, Henge, and Bunshin. These are the technique's that allow Shinobi to survive when they are mastered and used together," Sasuke said his voice an eerie imitation of Kakashi's. He was one hundred meters away and already in the midst of complex hand seals.
"Forget about the bells. I'm going to force you to tell me who you killed for that Sharingan. The Uchiha clan is mine to avenge!"
I'm you're only chance of learning how to be an Uchiha boy. Kakashi thought as he fell into the familiar habit of mimicking another Jutsu. But enough talk. Let me show you.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" They executed the technique at the same instant.
Kakashi thought he saw a glimpse of surprise in Sasuke's visage but there was no time to be sure as they both inhaled sharply before exhaling virulent lashes of flame the force of which blew their bodies backwards.
Kakashi hadn't used the great fireball technique before, but it had an instant application – throwing up smoke and heat as cover and distraction. On the other side he could feel Sasuke pumping more Chakra into his own ball of fire as he tried to win a false victory.
Kakashi kept a small flow of Chakra streaming into his own flames while he molded more for a different technique. Let's see how you deal with multiple Jutsu. "Doton: Shinjū Zanshu no Jutsu!" he tried to whisper although it was hard to whisper Jutsu.
His inner decapitation technique took hold and propelled him underground. Above he heard a crashing explosion as Sasuke's fireball overpowered the remnants of his and set the vegetation around where he had been standing ablaze despite the rain.
Sasuke glanced around searching frantically for the Jounin. A loud voice in his head was telling him to move because he did not truly believe that he had gone too far and killed the man, but until he had some idea as to which direction Kakashi would come from he didn't know if he would be moving into a trap.
Above? Left? Right? Where is he? Below?... Below!
It was too late. He managed to begin a jump that would take him to safety but Kakashi's hands shot up from the soggy mud as if he was a corpse turned wight come back to exact vengeance from the living.
The hands grabbed hold... pulled, and Sasuke was introduced to the second part of the technique. He was disorientated as he found himself buried up to his neck underground before he could react or even twitch.
…...
Sometime later Kakashi had all three Genin trussed up like livestock prepared for market. Hinata and Sasuke were covered in mud from head to foot, and in her case her garments were torn from all the close contact. Naruto was also muddy, but he was also stripped down to his boxers having taken off most of his clothes in a feverish haze. Now he was drenched and Kakashi was beginning to worry that he might catch a deep chill, but he had no intention to go easy on them.
He gagged them all so it was obvious his intention was to speak and be heard. They had all lost individual duels, so if they were true Shinobi they would know that now was not the time for bullshit. He had proved that if he was a real enemy he could kill each of them at any moment.
"You guys really suck yea? I mean you're smart kids, so I'm sure you've all realized what the objective was... what was that Naruto?... oh right you can't speak. I thought you might be trying to say something 'cause you keep chewing on the tape I put over your mouth like some kind of herbivore. Give up okay? Just nod if you agree," he said.
…
"You all realize what the objective was right?"
They all nodded.
"Good. Good very good, but just in case you're lying to me, or are actually all really slow kids having fun pretending to be smarter than you are then let me explain it to you... The objective was to work together to get the bells after which you would all ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after... yes?"
….
Naruto nodded slowly.
"Wrong! Naruto why the hell are you nodding! OK the objective was to work together to snatch my precious bells, but what makes you think Shinobi get to live happily ever after? Or ride? What the fuck is wrong with you?
"And you! Sasuke... you're giggling are you? Oh you think this shit is funny do you? So when Konoha sends you on a mission you're gonna negotiate with the enemy like you tried with me?" Kakashi snorted.
"Last Uchiha my ass crack."
…...
"I like you guys much better when you can't talk because I feel like you're actually learning something... But kids... playtime is over. You failed my test meaning I've got to turn you down as a team," Kakashi said. The children hadn't truly believed that he would do it. But the way he had ripped into them and the way he said it made them believe him.
Kakashi's stomach growled. "Man I'm hungry," he said. He bent down and took away two of the bentos. He started to walk away.
"At least I worked up an appetite. I'm gonna go eat inside where it's warm and then I'll be back to set you loose so you can go cry to mummy and daddy... or whatever it is you kids do these days."
They watched their new... ex... sensei disappear in a whirl of leaves. It was becoming a habit. After they were sure he was gone all three Genin looked round at each other... Then they looked at the sole bento...
The same thought seemed to be growing through their minds, so none of them were surprised when they all lunged for the food at the same time. Naruto had managed to chew through his gag whilst Sasuke had freed an arm and Hinata her feet. The scene dissolved into chaos.
….
"Just look at them," Kakashi said in disgust. He had his arms folded as he watched. "Fighting like dogs for Kami's sake," he turned away.
He could feel his companions in his shadow. A part of him couldn't help but be nervous giving his back to such experienced Shinobi.
"I'm not gonna let you two old timers saddle me with them!" Kakashi said turning to look at them. "I don't give a fuck what the Third wants," he declared.
"It's not that bad," Jiraiya scratched the back of his head smiling whilst old Mekakushi looked on in silence.
Mekakushi's flowing black Hyuuga robes and branch seal were evident. As was his missing eye. He kept the black abyss uncovered. The man had never bothered to conceal the disfigurement.
"They'll shape up soon," Jiraiya said. "Look. They've already stopped fighting."
It was true. The brats had stopped fighting and now it seemed like they were trying to help each other get loose. Kakashi prayed that it was only a temporary truce, and that when they were free they would begin to brawl in earnest.
"It's not fair," Kakashi almost wailed, but he refused to wail. "Alright the two of you'll share the training load but what's the point? I'm the last person you want looking after these kids Jiraiya. I mean look at me. You know I'm fucked up man. You know it."
"Yeah," Jiraiya sounded like he almost pitied him. "You are, but you're also the best possible teacher for Sasuke... besides I've just spent years on babysitting duty myself so don't expect me to feel sorry for you, and you also happen to be the most junior member of our little... coterie," Jiraiya said. "Or what? You want them all trooping off to one eye here's cottage? I have my doubts as to whether Hinata can survive him. I'm sure he'll kill the rest at the slightest vexation."
Mekakushi laughed, but it was a harsh laugh, more like a bark, and it only lasted for a very brief moment.
"Fine," Kakashi gave up. His point was lost anyway. The runts were now free and instead of fighting they were sharing the meager contents of the bento he left behind.
"What does the Third expect from this lot anyway?" he asked. A petulant cast to the set of his steps as he began to leave to give the kids the good news.
"The Third's an old politician who knows he's close to the end of his race."Jiraiya stated. "He wants what they all want."
"Which is what exactly?"
"Another legacy," Jiraiya replied sadly.
LATER
Hinata arrived home worn out in mind, body, and spirit, yet for the first time in years a true smile graced her lips within the Hyuuga compound, and her steps were light despite the bruises Kakashi had given.
Although she wished her mother could have lived to see her accepted into the Shinobi ranks she herself still couldn't quite believe it. There had been a point, after she first regained consciousness, when she believed she had failed, and her relief when Kakashi had accepted them under 'duress and against his fucking better judgment,' had been real. Little did she know that what moments of joy the world felt her due were sparse and far between.
"Your father is asking for you," she heard.
Turning she saw that a member of the branch had come into her room without knocking. It was a serving member whose Byakugan was weak... almost useless. They were prone to blindness young, and it was not surprising for them to enter a noble's private chamber without making their presence known. They were widely used. Some Hyuuga Shinobi even used them to bathe and dress.
"T-Thank you," Hinata stammered as she stood from her austere cot-like bed. She always stammered when it came to her father – although she was glad that she had bathed and wrapped fresh bandages around her still sore bruises.
"I'll be right with him," she said, but evidently the serving man had been instructed to function as a messenger and as an escort. He waited for her to get ready in silence.
Hinata put on her ceremonial dojo robes with trepidation. She knew what the summons was for and her hands were already shaking.
I became a Genin today... Father's spies must have told him. They must have seen... I've hardly eaten and I'm exhausted.
She squashed the nagging doubts ruthlessly. She had to pull through this. She was a Genin now and Hanabi was not even an academy student. The difference should be clear even though she couldn't remember the last time she had just wanted to lie down and sleep so badly.
When she arrived Hanabi was already in the middle of the sparring area. High ranking nobles from all over the clan were cramped into the space. They took in her bandaged appearance, the bruises still on her face, and the bags under her eyes. Whispers began to grow like weeds amongst them.
"Can she fight?" she thought she heard someone say.
Her father frowned as if the question had been directed his way. He seemed to take it as a personal insult. "Hinata," he called.
Immediately she rushed forward to kneel in supplication before him. The tiniest bit of tenderness entered his voice.
"Hinata what happened to you?" he asked. Although she had changed and was clean her face was beginning to swell.
"F- Father! Today I became a Genin..." she began to get excited.
"You took too many blows from the enemy," Hiashi said disapprovingly. "That is not our way."
"I am sorry father. The opponent was very strong. A Jounin," she said. The other clan members lost a bit of interest once it was known that her injuries were gained in a routine promotion exam.
"Excuses are also not our way," her father said. The disapproval had not left his voice. He was a tall man dressed in traditional white robes, and his coiffed hair hung down his back black and glistening. "Do you wish to withdraw from the bout?" he asked. Something in his voice told her that this would be a very bad idea.
Hinata looked back at Hanabi again. Her sister didn't seem intimidated by the fact that she was now an official Konoha Shinobi at all. She just looked at Hinata with those pale all seeing eyes.
"No father," she said.
"Good!" Hiashi sounded happy. "Clan matters always take precedence over Konoha's affairs, so despite your injuries this will be a bout for the heir-ship... as usual. Get ready girls... gentlemen... ladies... if you please."
The adult men and women moved back to the edges of the dojo where raised seats were installed for spectators. Tired Hinata made her way over to join her sister in the center of the arena. Her palms were moist and her throat was dry.
"Begin!" father commanded, and immediately Hanabi came at her like a dervish.
Hinata barely had time to slip into a basic Jyukken stance, and Hanabi was already on top of her. It was hard to look away from the clash, but she thought she saw the first hints of a smile on her father's face.
Hanabi's hands were flashing with energy as she sought to cripple her sister's Chakra network. Confident as she was from her fight with Kakashi her sister seemed uncharacteristically slow, but it was hard getting her body to obey, and she was never as good under her father's glare as she was unencumbered. It was all Hinata could do to prevent Hanabi from shutting down more than the tenketsu on her left leg.
They fell into a pattern of parry and attack Hinata limping from the successful hits her sister had landed early on, and as the fight wore on Hinata got her second wind. The anger, frustration, and hatred of a thousand past wrongs crawled like ivy into her mind – invading her brain with thoughts of vengeance.
She burst forwards detesting herself, her sister, her clan, and most of all her father for forcing the two of them to play this sick game every couple of months. Forcing sister to fight sister for a prize that would only be attained when the father that should have loved them both was dead. It was puke worthy.
Hinata took perverse pleasure in the look of shock on Hanabi's face as she penetrated her defenses, and then shutdown all the tenketsu on Hanabi's right side. Hinata was now in the zone. She could see her father through the omnipresent lens of her Byakugan. She looked at him as she struck Hanabi thinking that she would finally witness the acknowledgment she deserved, but instead she saw horror. He expected Hinata to lose. No... He wanted Hinata to lose. Hanabi was his favorite.
Hinata faltered over her prone sister. She hesitated before the final blow.
"No," she whispered turning away from her Hanabi's pained face and towards her father and the rest. "I won't!" she whispered, but in the nooks of her mind it was a scream.
Her sister was panting on the ground. For the first time ever Hinata saw emotion come to that Cherubic face of hers. Despair, fear, and then hatred. Hanabi struggled to rise battling agony as her clogged Chakras screamed within.
"You won't what?" Hiashi demanded rising from where he was seated in fury. "Hinata! Show respect for our traditions! or... Hanabi! That's my girl... get up... get up my girl... Your sister is older than you but she is weak and naive. Finish her off."
Hinata turned back to Hanabi calmly. Her sister snarled at father's words. Crackling Chakras manifesting around the fingers on her left hand.
"I won't fight you sister," Hinata said for her father's benefit. "I won't play anymore," she closed her eyes and released her Byakugan. She felt the usual spasms as the veins receded. "Do with me what you will."
No one answered her but she felt Hanabi coming at her with a twisted cry. The poor girl sounded like a wounded animal, so although Hinata knew she would regret the bruises in the morning a small smile of triumphant enlightenment came to her lips.
The next morning Naruto woke up excited. After a hasty breakfast he bolted out of Jiraiya's compound and headed straight for the bridge where his team had met over the past few days.
For once he was the first to arrive though both Sasuke and Hinata came shortly after he did and they all settled down to wait. Hinata looked like she had been through hell but Naruto didn't feel like he knew her well enough to say anything so he didn't, and Sasuke was brooding. Naruto guessed he would have to get used to Sasuke brooding. They all fidgeted in their own little ways as they waited for Kakashi to arrive.
As usual he was late, but it seemed even the secretive Jounin was a bit hyped up about his new team. He got there after only one hour and thirty minutes.
"Hinata are you OK? I'm pretty sure I didn't do all of that ," Kakashi said from out of the blue. They all turned their heads to see him perched on the rail. Naruto looked at Hinata and once again took in her appearance. Although she had tried to conceal the bruises she looked pretty badly beat up.
"Personal training sensei," she said calmly. "There is no need for concern."
"Remind me never to introduce you to Jiraiya," Naruto shuddered. "I would hate to think what types of regimes the two of you would dream up together," he said.
"Can the side talk," Kakashi said shifting his buttocks on his perch. "Sasuke quit being so gloomy will you? You're giving me the creeps." The Jounin stood. He seemed strangely nervous.
"OK so I already told you guys that this is a specialist team right? Right. I did. Kami I'm new to this..." the Jounin trailed off.
"What are we specializing in?" Hinata of all people asked to save the floundering man. He seized upon her statement like it was a raft.
"Yes! What are we specializing in! That's the real question isn't it? That's exactly it my girl," he said.
"err... exactly... what exactly?" Sasuke finally spoke. Naruto began to get frustrated by the by play. He felt like breaking something.
"Just tell us already," he growled.
"You are to be specialists in death," Kakashi said triumphantly. "A hit squad, an S-Rank team, the Sannin reborn, prodigies, Shinigami... call it what you want... THE BEST EVER. FUCKING EVER... PERIOD," he said.
"Um..." all three of them looked nervous. They all had high opinions of themselves but the way he put it made it sound a bit impossible. Kakashi seemed to deflate.
"Yeah you can see why I had my doubts at first," he laughed nervously "But trust me! Under our guidance we'll have you guys there in no time," he said.
"Our guidance?" they asked in unison.
"Yes our guidance," a voice none of them but Hinata recognized. A cold and harsh voice she remembered the way you remember the taste of a favored dish from childhood.
They saw an elderly Hyuuga walking towards them with the aid of a staff. Next to him was a man they all recognized from his legend, and from the novels Kakashi liked to read. Jiraiya the Toad Sage.
Hinata covered her mouth without realizing it, but she was not awestruck by Jiraiya. She was shocked that the wizened man – a member of the branch she could now see from the brand on his forehead – had only one eye and yet had not committed suicide or gone into seclusion or exile. It was almost unheard of. To make matters worse he left the mutilation exposed.
"Hinata," the strange yet familiar Hyuuga said. "I see my cousin has not been lax teaching you our etiquette," he said acknowledging her shock at his condition as she took in his black robes. "Please forgive my lack of... ocular symmetry," he chuckled. It came out like the sound of wood against sandpaper.
"S-Sorry!" Hinata said mollified. She was still shocked by his gaping eye socket.
"Pervert Sage! What are you doing here!" Naruto was yelling and at Jiraiya and backing away... it seemed he was preparing to bolt. "Oy! Oy! Jiraiya-kun! If this is another trick of yours..."
"Brat! Who are you calling Jiraiya-kun! I'll kill you!"
"Try it you old perv! If you kill me I'll chop your dick off!"
"You couldn't chop my dick off! You would be dead baka!"
"Doesn't matter! I know a Jutsu that says I can motherfucker! Why don't you go -"
"What the fuck is going on here!" Sasuke interjected. He was standing up and breathless as if he had been exercising. While Hinata and Kakashi had looked on with mild amusement and Mekakushi with annoyance he had been taking in all the faces and it was as if a thermometer in his head had exploded.
"You," he said pointing a wavering finger at the elderly Hyuuga. "I recognize you."
"You know this man?" Hinata rounded on Sasuke her momentary shyness dust.
"I've heard of someone like him. He's Death's eye. He exposed Danzo's second coup plot and organized deep raids into stone country during the war."
Mekakushi gave Sasuke a look.
"Allegedly."
The old Hyuuga smiled.
"Jiraiya-sama of course I know you," something like hero worship entered Sasuke's posture.
Jiraiya offered Sasuke a mock bow. "Of course you do," he said. His student Naruto snorted.
"My question is just what the hell is this team?" Sasuke demanded doggedly. "Just explain Kakashi-sensei. Please."
Kakashi had been sitting back while everyone got to know each other. Now his drawl came out to reach them again.
"Basically... these are my senpai. Because they are my senpai I am being forced to babysit all of you on missions while they train your teammates," Kakashi said. Hinata perked up and then looked disgusted when she heard she would be trained by Mekakushi and Naruto uttered a pained grown.
"Unfortunately apart from babysitting duty I also have to train you... I think you already know why... destiny or something," Kakashi stood up and stretched. Sasuke's mind darted to the Sharingan the man possessed.
"Anyway now's a good time to start as any. With your permission Jiraiya? Mekakushi?"
Mekakushi shrugged.
"Go for it," Jiraiya grinned in an evil manner looking at Naruto and cracking his knuckles. The newly minted Genin seemed to shrink in his seat. "I have a bone to pick with this gaki," the Toad Sage promised.
"What you guys didn't think I was going to train up the new Sannin on my own did you?" Kakashi asked rhetorically the children rhetorically. They all look a bit stunned. "Do I look like the Third to you guys? Fuck that I'm lazy at heart. Team dismissed."
MUCH LATER
Naruto avoided going home for as long as was humanely possible. Eventually though he was done in by the fact that he needed to take a dump and he did not like to shit in strange places.
So it was that the blond slipped into the compound scaling the fence. He looked around on the alert as he tried to plot his way into his wing of the mansion. Naruto's plan was to use the toilet – pack some bare essentials that would enable him to use the toilet comfortably out of home, such as his lucky charm, proceed to rob Jiraiya and then take an extended break to the countryside.
He was sure that if he succeeded he wouldn't be in too much trouble. Jiraiya had too much pride to admit that he had lost his student and the Sannin would try to track him down himself. Naruto smiled. The pervert had always hated playing hide and seek with him when he was a kid.
"What are you smiling about you demonic boy?" Jiraiya asked. Slowly Naruto's heart plunged down to his anus where it awaited ejection alongside his shit.
"Fuck me," Naruto said.
"No thanks," Jiraiya smiled. Now that he was exposed Naruto saw that the gardener stood at his sensei's side.
"I knew you were gonna try to make a run for it so I've been tailing you since we left the meeting," Jiraiya admitted with a shrug. He looked maliciously happy.
Naruto sighed and stood up from where he had been crouching in the shadows. He came out into the light to face his sensei.
"Dammit Jiraiya... just promise I'll live to see the end of the month," he pleaded.
"I can't make any promises," Jiraiya smiled as he brought his arm across Naruto's shoulders and propelled the Genin towards the back garden. Naruto became curious as the gardener followed them.
"Besides you were planning to rob me weren't you," he accused squeezing Naruto's shoulder and drawing back his attention.
"Ah ha ha," Naruto was nervous. "Not really. I couldn't do that to you sensei... honest." Although he had settled down he was still on edge. He hadn't forgiven Jiraiya for the time the Sannin had thrown him off a cliff in an attempt to make him extract the Kyuubi's chakra.
"Prepare yourself Naruto," Jiraiya said a short while later as he stood across from the blond. The gardener vanished into a small hut Naruto had noticed before, but not yet had the chance to enter. Naruto had already noted earlier how the back garden was more like an out door dojo complete with training posts and the like.
"Like I said just don't kill me," Naruto said. Not knowing what to expect he fell into his basic Taijutsu stance.
"No need for all that..." Jiraiya started to say, "Or actually yes. A warm up will help you get through the training. Run through the basic kata I taught you," he said.
Naruto obeyed shifting through the patterns Jiraiya had taught him. He felt himself begin to drift away as he built up his sweat, and his solo performance left deep footprints in the grass.
An hour passed. Some part of him noticed when Jiraiya slipped away, and he was even more aware when the Sannin returned with the gardener. Jiraiya was towing what looked like a mobile birdcage large enough to house a man while the gardened held a long wooden bench and a briefcase of some sort.
"That's enough Naruto," Jiraiya instructed after he pulled the cage to rest before the Genin. Naruto immediately began his final cool down sequence, but all the while he set curious eyes on the cage, and on the gardener who had set down the bench and opened the briefcase. The man brought out what seemed to be a game board and began to set out black and white discs on its surface.
"Good," Jiraiya said when he was done with the warm-up. "Now strip off, and come here,"
Naruto began to take off his clothes stripping down to his briefs. He took off his sandals and felt his toes sink into the dirt as he approached the bronze cage and his sensei.
Close up he could see that various appendages hung from the cage's roof and jutted out from the sides. Some were simple rounded metal rods whilst others ended in the shapes of fists, feet and weapons. Naruto couldn't help but hesitate confronted with all that restrained violence.
"Uh... what does this thing actually do?" he asked. He was still sweating freely from his Taijutsu work out.
"Step inside," Jiraiya ordered. After a slight hesitation Naruto did so.
"It's part of your training," Jiraiya said. He looked mollified since his student was being cooperative. "Mikio built it, and it was very expensive so please do me a favor. Under no circumstances are you to use Ninjutsu while inside. The device you see is irreplaceable."
"Mikio? Who is that?" Naruto asked stupidly. Jiraiya turned to look at the gardener.
"I thought you told me that you had already met?" he asked him.
Mikio scratched the back of his head. "We didn't get around to exchanging names," he replied.
"Fine," Jiraiya seemed annoyed by the minor diversion. "Have you finished with that?" he gave the checkered games board Mikio had set up a pointed look. "You must have it only takes a few seconds to set up. Explain to the boy. I don't feel like talking."
"Hm," Mikio cleared his throat. Naruto shivered semi nude as he was within the the cage.
"So I take it you've noticed the dull blades and various forms of nasty surrounding you?" he asked the boy.
"um... yes?" Naruto said. He really didn't know why he had consented to this. Had he consented to it? Sort of.
"Remember you promised Jiraiya-kun," he whispered.
"Shut up brat."
"AS I was saying," Mikio said. He stood up from the bench where he sat and came to meet Naruto. He looked earnest as he peered into the bars almost as if Naruto were his relative and a prisoner for real.
"The weapons aren't sharp but you can die in there gaki," he said. Naruto cringed a bit when he said gaki.
He said it uncomfortably not with the casual ease and abuse Jiraiya intoned.
"Basically you have twenty seconds," Mikio said taking his seat on the bench again. The bench was angled to face Naruto, and the game board he had noticed before was positioned so that he could see it clearly.
It looked like the board was ten rows by ten columns making for one hundred squares. The squares were checkered in a black and white pattern.
Fat oval pieces sat on the board. The dark ones were closest to Naruto whilst Mikio had the white. All the pieces were set on dark squares while the light ones were empty.
"I have twenty seconds to what? Learn a game I've never played before?" Naruto asked. "How am I supposed to do that from in here geniuses? I'm too busy thinking about all the potential pain surrounding me,"
Mikio moved on of the pieces on the board. He moved the piece diagonally.
"You can only move diagonally on the black squares. You can't move backwards."
"Move..." Naruto tried to describe the figurine he wanted moved. "The third one from your right," he said. "Move it to the-"
A piercing whistle came from the cage Naruto was in. Suddenly the floor started to glow. Before Naruto knew what was happening his back arched in agony as hundreds of volts of electricity coursed up into him. His lips curled back.
…...
"NARUTO! NARUTO!" his eyes shot open at the sound of Jiraiya's voice. He was coiled up on the floor of the cage. The memory of what had just happened flooded his mind.
"What the fuck Jiraiya?" he cursed before his throat was consumed by hacking coughs. He glared at his sensei. He turned feeble eyes on Mikio about to rage at him as well but was struck cold by the gardener's cruel calm. It took a while for the coughs to subside.
"I said don't FUCKING KILL ME!" Naruto turned back to a familiar enemy once he had regained control of his lungs. He sat up legs spread out before him then using his arms for leverage he pushed himself off the ground. His was unsteady but soon he settled down.
"OK so I have to watch out for electricity coming from the cage right?" Naruto said chagrined as he inspected his enclosure once again. It was big enough for him to jump but not so high, and for how long could he hang in the air anyway?
Naruto looked harder. Jiraiya fashioned difficult tests, but not impossible ones. Highly rigged tests... but never too unfair. Naruto was consoling himself thinking about how his mentor rewarded persistence when he finally spotted it.
There up top clustered with some devilish looking axes were two leather thongs. They hung down from the top of the cage, but were hard to notice at first.
"So I can suspend myself from those..." Naruto grinned. "Any other goodies in this contraption of yours?" he asked as he began to pace around the limited confine.
Mikio smiled for the first time. "A few, but I think I'm ready to make my move," he said and he played another piece.
"Heh no timer for you old man?" Naruto asked as he thought furiously. "extreme right forward," he said.
Mikio looked annoyed. He moved the piece one square. Then immediately played his next move. It was a move that consumed one of Naruto's spheres. As Mikio removed the square the cage attacked him again this time with a wicked blow to the groin region, but he had been anticipating it.
Naruto ducked down flat on the ground letting the whip like weapon sail over his head before he lunged out for its root. A sword that had been attached to a rod shot forward to protect it's compatriot, but Naruto weaved out of his path.
He focused his Chakras into his fist as he drove at the whip's stem and his blow was successful. The whip clattered down to the ground losing all momentum, and Naruto leaped back expecting repercussions. He was surprised when none came.
"Well my invention can give a beating, so it's only fair that it take a bit of one as well," Mikio said ruefully. "Still you're turn Naruto. Careful now though. Bella isn't happy. She's only given you fifteen seconds."
"Bella?" Naruto started to ask. "Who's Be- !" He emitted a loud cry as something struck him on the back. Then two assaults came from the sides. Naruto jumped the lancing spears landing lightly on his feet. Although he still winced in pain he managed to block three blows from cast iron boots and fists that were attached to poles.
He broke the rods controlling two of the appendages and then wheeled around. As he suspected a sword thrust was coming for him. Its blunt edge struck him on the collar dropping him to the ground.
Naruto struggled back to his feet – checking Mikio and the board again.
"Still your move Naruto," the gardener said calmly. "Thirty seconds."
Naruto sighed. This was going to be a long session.
After Kakashi explained how things were going to work Naruto's face seemed to lose all color. At least that was Hinata's perception of the matter. Jiraiya his supposed tutor was leering at him and the blond looked like he could bolt at any second. Sasuke meanwhile looked pissed.
"So I guess that's it then isn't it?" Kakashi said. "I'll just be off then," the Jounin seemed to make a habit of reading porn while he walked.
"Come on Sasuke. Even though your still a kid in Uchiha terms we have a lot of training to do."
Sasuke looked like he was about to utter a retort but then her former classmate thought the better of it slicking back his black hair with an idle hand. He followed their quirky primary instructor sullenly leaving Hinata alone with the oldest teacher out of the group.
Inspecting the partially blind man Hinata wasn't entirely sure she didn't hold the short stick, but she resolved that no matter what she would make the best of it. Hopefully this would provide her the chance she needed to avoid pointless clashes with her sister. Father had already made his decision.
"Girl... Are you ready? Are you strong or is this going to be a waste of my time?" The old Hyuuga tightened his wizened grip on his staff – took a couple sneering steps forward. "Don't be a waste of my time," he said.
"Sasuke may know of you, but I don't. Meaning you've been struck from the histories. Why?" she got straight to the point. This curious fact was a big reason for her choice to stay and participate.
He looked at her with his single eye. When he activated his Byakugan the sight of bulging veins surrounding both his functioning eye and his other... pit was very disconcerting.
"You are the Hyuuga heiress correct?" Mekakushi asked. He hobbled over to inspect her more closely. He smelt of cloves, sweat, and ginger.
"No, I am sister to the Heiress Hanabi Hinata," Hinata answered fidgeting away in discomfort she was at the bridge railing. She looked down at the gently rushing stream and then back at the old Hyuuga. He had stopped his approach.
"Ah my apologies, my information is somewhat outdated," he said. He didn't seem to mind the fact she was put off by him. In fact he seemed to enjoy it.
"So Hinata... deposed heir to the Hyuuga clan. Tell me what you know of the Byakugan, and why I shouldn't tell the Hokage I haven't changed my mind, for I'm finding that I have no appetite for Hiashi's scraps."
Hinata was about to deliver an indignant retort but then she restrained herself. She smiled coldly and gave him a stiff formal bow – as a younger superior to an older subordinate- her posture did not deviate an inch from protocol.
"You would do well to remember your cursed seal and the control I have over it," she said politely once she had unbent to look him in the eye. The old man only betrayed mild amusement.
"What do you know of the Byakugan?" he demanded again.
A part of Hinata wanted to pursue the matter further but she reconsidered.
"The Byakugan is the prized bloodline of Konoha, it is an eye based bloodline with abilities ranging from 360 degree vision to X ray vision," Hinata recited from memory somewhat annoyed. Mekakushi made her feel like a small child again. She couldn't help but look at his missing eye again.
For the first time Mekakushi looked annoyed. He patted about himself and then retrieved a soft fold of cloth which he proceeded to bandage across his face. He produced another cloth and thrust it in her general direction. Suddenly his motions were strong, and his walking stick revealed to be a deceit. Ruefully Hinata accepted the proffered blindfold.
"Well at least you know the basics. Now I need you to forget them," Mekakushi said as she emulated him and covered her face.
"Your assignment for today is to walk home," he said. "Tomorrow find Kakashi. He'll tell you where to look for me."
Hinata smiled and activated her Byakugan. "I feared training with you would be harder than this," she said smug as she began to walk home. "Every Hyuuga does this exercise as a child. Our standards haven't slipped so far since your time," she said.
There it was again. That harsh laugh that Mekakushi possessed. Like iron filings scrabbling against a metal door.
"You can't be that stupid," the man said. Though his Byakugan was off and he couldn't possibly see her his staff suddenly lunged out to block her path.
Hinata scurried away from the blow, and turned her athletic body to face him. Twin nebulae of chakra cloaked her hands.
"All main house members learn the Jyukken, it is the tried and tested style of our clan," Mekakushi noted. He seemed disdainful.
She was sure that he couldn't see her. Not with the heavy cloth, nor his one eye and lack of Byakugan, yet somehow he noticed that she was ready to fight. She toyed with the thought of taking him down through his cursed seal but she knew once she did so there would be no going back, and he still aroused her curiosity.
"Come then," Mekakushi instructed. "You'll be the first Hyuuga whelp I've had to beat into shape, but I suppose it will be worth it," he said.
She would have circled him were it not so that they stood on the bridge. As it was the wooden platforms were only wide enough for her to approach warily from an angle.
Mekakushi made no move in response to her whispering footsteps. Hinata resisted the urge to talk. Doing so would only allow him pinpoint her location by ear.
She was in striking distance but she hesitated for a vital second. Suddenly that staff lunged out again. It pierced the air making a beeline for her sternum, but trained control over her center of balance allowed Hinata to side-step the blow.
She moved like the wave. Mimicking the replica ripples that constantly brushed against the stone basin of the stream below. Mekakushi moved with her. Despite his age he was more jagged. He changed the pitch of the staff aiming it at her neck – a killing blow, but Hinata was close. So close that she could see the triangle of tenketsu on his torso that if hit would shut down his movements completely.
Hinata went for it crouching low and ducking in – ignoring the staff which struck her a painful glancing blow on her shoulder – she had him.
But to her utter shock she didn't. The old man in a self imposed blind exile as he was leaped into the air and over her attack. Mekakushi still grasped his staff, and as his torso swung around he dealt her a resounding blow to the buttocks which sent her sprawling onto the slats of the bridge.
"Shit! Ouch!" Hinata blushed as she rubbed the sore spot indignantly. She hated swearing in public but the humiliation!
"What I offer is unique," Mekakushi said. He was still blindfolded so he couldn't quite gaze down at her prone form but he made a good impression of it. He smiled as if amused at her pained expression. Even though he couldn't see her.
"How did you see me?" Hinata demanded as she got up. The blow smarted but she was still impressed by the sight of the old man soaring through the air. It had been completely unexpected although she had already guessed the staff to be part of a ruse.
"It just so happens that you are uniquely suited to learning what I know - " Mekakushi said ignoring her question.
He came over to her guiding himself with his walking stick. Despite her recent encounter with his deadly package Hinata couldn't help but think of him as a feeble man close to death. He came over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
He placed it on the one he had struck earlier squeezing tightly she couldn't help but wince.
" - knowledge I had to parse together morsel by bitter morsel," he said. Something like heat entered his tone and he gave one final squeeze. Then he released her and turned away making as if to leave.
"Wait!" Hinata released the anger that had been building from the repeated shoulder squeezes. She made to grasp him as if to return the favor.
"If you contact Kakashi to find me then come without your pride,"he said.
"But Hinata-chan... be warned. The next time you challenge me I will destroy you." Mekakushi banged his staff against the ground and phased out of sight just as Hinata reached out to touch him. She was left grasping his abandoned blindfold.
Slowly her petite fist scrunched it up into a ball.
Hinata still had her Byakugan on. That was why she was moving so freely. Almost reluctantly she released the enhanced state. Now that the shade of conflict had passed the veins around her eyes decompressed slowly. If you listened closely you could hear them almost hissing as if a valve had been turned to let the air out.
The extra blood was no longer needed to nourish and protect her eyes from her own chakra, and as her clan's Doujutsu dissipated Hinata was left with only darkness.
With her Byakugan off Hinata could barely see through the strips of heavy cloth Mekakushi had placed over her eyes. Irritated her hands rose to take it off but then she remembered what he had said. She had to go home blinded... without her normal sight.
Dammit! She wished she hadn't lost. Old men shouldn't be able to jump like that. Regardless of if they are Shinobi!
Completely worn out emotionally and physically Hinata trudged back in the direction that was home. She stumbled and almost fell into the stream as she misjudged where the railing was and was glad to be on the road, but then in her haste she stubbed her left toe against a jagged rock.
Oh for Kami's sake!
She proceeded at a gentle and more ladylike pace... or rather blind ladylike pace. She paused when she barely managed to make out a stick that would serve as a good walking aide for the moment.
Mekakushi was a revered and decorated Shinobi, but he was a Hyuuga outcast as well Hinata mused as she slowly made her way back entering busy parts of the city and drawing astonished and embarrassing stares.
Eventually she knew she was almost home and a part of her was glad that soon she would be back in that accursed place. She would have a bath and be in a warm bed.
She experienced a kind of guilty pleasure knowing how mortified father would be when he found out. For find out he surely would. Her movements where heavily and randomly monitored.
Perhaps he would even take the matter of his daughter's deployment as far as the Hokage, but the clans traditionally could not dictate such to their overlord.
But if the Hokage had not had vested interests himself he might have acceded to the noble...
However Hinata was well aware that the Hokage did have vested interests thanks to Kakashi.
She smiled to herself as she finally passed through the gates and was in the Hyuuga estate. Anxious hands came to coax and smother her and she had to wave them away angrily.
"No!" she screamed releasing the day's pent up annoyances and the hands shied away from her. The branch members mumbled apologies and 'gomenasai.'
When all was calm and Hinata was in her room she finally managed a small smile. She had done it resisting the temptation to cheat. She was surprised at the strength of the sense of accomplishment she felt as she unwound the eye wrappings.
When father found his will blocked by the Hokage he would find another avenue. Till then she would rely on Mekakushi as an excuse to distance herself from him and his expectations, and to improve herself without the hidebound Hyuuga tutors he assigned to her.
Hinata's smile became cold as she placed the blindfold on her dresser, but then she remembered sitting in the garden with her mother and a choking sob suddenly overwhelmed her. Moisture came to her eyes.
Things were so different back then... And father I loved you. Still love you. But living like this is killing me.
Meanwhile Sasuke was wondering why he had to be saddled with a man who obviously didn't care about much. After leaving the rest of the team Kakashi had taken him on a meandering walk around the city touching base even at the Hokage monument. The man seemed to be a hopeless romantic and pervert, and Sasuke had been so bored that he had almost been tempted to strike up a conversation. Almost.
Now they were back at the memorial stone. It seemed Kakashi had a twisted interest in the structure.
"So just how did you get the Sharingan," Sasuke finally asked settling on a topic of such curiosity that it overrode his natural personality.
Kakashi didn't look away from his keen observation of the stone but Sasuke knew that he had heard him. Night had long since fallen and the stars had begun to peek out from the sky fold. They brought with them the particular pervasive stench of rising nocturnal life.
"Sensei..." Sasuke hated the need to refer to the man by such a honorific. His teammates got to be pupils of legendary Shinobi whilst he was saddled with this lazy jerk.
Makes you wonder whether the powers that be actually give a damn about talent, or that my clan is ash.
"- aaannnnnnnd you're not listening," Kakashi was actually looking at him. Sasuke had been stuck in his reverie.
"What?" he asked.
"Well for starters you've already failed. Gaining and using the Sharingan is all about perception," the Jounin said. Then he scratched the back of his head.
"Listen kid I like being here less than you. We can do this the easy way or the easy way. I don't believe in giving brats too many options either."
Sasuke stared at the man. This whole apprenticeship thing was turning out to be a nightmare. He sighed.
"I think I'll just talk to the Hokage. No offense sensei... even if you have the Sharingan I don't think this can work out," he said.
Maybe if I threaten to drop out of the ranks the old man will see reason. I am the last of the Uchiha after all... well... apart from my brother and this... this fake.
"Leaving the team is not an option for anybody. You think I want to be here? With you? Since you're a spoiled motherfucker we'll do this the hard way," Kakashi said uncovering his Sharingan. He extended his right arm downwards and hunched over it clasping his wrist with his other arm. Tendrils of Lightning Chakras began to stream down into his fist and Sasuke's body broke out into a cold sweat. He dove away in fear.
"Oh no you don't. You've been begging for this ass kicking half your life."
To be continued.
Jutsu List
*Only Jutsu I create or modify appear in this list.
Magen: Sanjuu Kokoni Arazu no Jutsu (Demonic illusion: Triple false surroundings technique): Essentially the technique from Canon, but active in three layers.