Chapter 3. Alteration
Naruto hummed as he twirling the kunai in his hand, flipping and tossing the weapon playfully while looking down to the city
Brockton Bay... Is not a bad city...
No, it is bad city, what he mean is the appearance, especially in night. The city have quite look and deserve to be complimented, the design and architecture is not bad, though it could use some green like Konoha
Seriously despite the village has turned to modern place but the green in there is still enormous, every block of village has forest or at least few trees that show how healthy the village is
'And considering this World have superpower that specialize in super technology surely there is something that can be used.' Naruto thought irritatingly while sighing
Then again it can't be blamed, the being that called Simurgh seems have personal grudge to those who want to improve the World environment, Sphere was main example for this, wishing to improve the World using his technology and then come Simurgh and turn him into one of the most notorious criminal and boogeyman in this World
Then if that wasn't enough, according to Alice the "passenger" or "shard" that giving people their power apparently not innocent or just give them super power, no. Apparently the "passenger" giving compulsion to their host that make them wish to use their power further, twisting them, using them in creative manner, expressing them to the World
That was... Very disturbing in his opinion... If that was true then what about power that belong to Crawler? His power is adaptation and evolve, every time he hurt his power will start to transform his body into something that able to adapt to it
And since it want to be used, is that mean that power push Crawler into what he is today? Making him seek for something that able to hurt him and make him more adaptable? Highly possible according to Alice
That was just one of many example from people that screwed in head
Speaking about Crawler...
What with Nine and bad guy?' He thought with twitching eyes. There Akatsuki who have nine members -technically it supposed to be ten but Obito did not count- and then there also Bijuu -monster that capable to destroy continent and island with single blast of Bijuudama (Tailed Beast Bomb) if they concentrate enough- who also appear to be there nine of them
Really, what's wrong with number nine?
He only can shook his head in exaggerated manner. This World really fucked up, almost as bad as his, trapped in endless bloody conflict that keep repeating themselves
It was then he sense someone entering his sensory range, a parahuman, he focused a bit and found the "passenger" that inside the host to be familiar
He can't detect what their power but he can tell if there's anomaly inside someone and every "passenger" have their own "color" or things like that
Knowing who it was he waste no time to hop off from the roof, landed to another, he move as quite as possible to make sure his presence unknown. He also sense a countless insects started to crawl around to where he rushing
'Control over insect? Wow, it's been a while since I see one. Remind me of Aburame.' He thought as he hopping to another roof and stopped when he found who he looking for
He crouched on top of the post, under his sunglasses his eyes observing the dark clad figure that walking as stealthy as possible
Something watching her
She feel shiver crawling to her spine and it make her stopped in her track, she also stop gathering all the insects that she can sense, stop giving them command to come as well
Something watching her
It wasn't fear, terror or something like that. She didn't know how she can tell someone watching her, perhaps it was sixth sense or some kind of bullshit like that. One thing she knew though, despite it unnerving and disturbing, whoever watching her has no any malicious intent
The feeling... It was like a teacher watching over you when they lecturing you, judging and strict but also reassuring. That was what she felt right now
"Hello!"
Later Taylor will deny that she shrieked like when she was five years old and meet cokcroach for the first time
"Wow... You really know how to scream huh?"
After she calming her breath she realize that the voice actually familiar to her and when she turned around she greeted by sight of certain blond who shoot her annoying grin
"Naruto!" She hissed "Don't surprise me like that!"
"Sorry, sorry." He raise his hands in placating manner "I can't help but mess with you." He chuckled
She respond him with a glare, albeit it can't be seen due to her mask but how she wish she have heat vision so she can-
Wait a minute
"Before you panicking and try to say something stupid, yes, Taylor I know it's you." He said flatly
She gaped under her mask "How?"
"I have a good eye." He replied with chuckle "Your figure from top to bottom, it very familiar, what giving though is your voice when you scream." He explained while gesturing to her "Try to use something that make your voice unrecognizable."
She feels like want to have earth split open and swallow her as she let out groan. Great, just great. First night going out and her identity already known! Way to go Taylor! Way to go!
"I don't have something like that." She muttered
"Hmm that would be troubling. I might have something that useful for you back home." He hummed while rubbing his chin
"Uhh, no need for that, I-"
"Nonsense, you're my friend and I will be happy to help you. I will get one for you tomorrow when we alone then."
Friend... In another time she would be suspicious and skeptical at someone who utter those word to her. However she knew that Naruto truly mean it when he say they were friend
Perhaps it because he had defend her openly in public and not even hesitate to shoot down Emma, Madison and Sophia in front of other students by choosing her over them or perhaps it because he is Hero -she has research about him from PHO and found that he is very well known in there by helping people around from beating criminal to weeding garden, she still balked at the idea though- so he is clearly trustworthy, true he is not official hero and only independent but his action make it very clear
But what actually play as main reason... Is because Naruto was there for her...
It has been three days ever since Naruto come to school, and there many students that wish to get know of him and trying to be friend with him. Of course Naruto did not refuse them, he accept their offer but at same time he insist to stay with her
There many awkward moment thanks to that. She don't want to stay with Naruto to burden him or talk with people that do nothing while watching her tortured -few even laugh at her- but Naruto apparently caught on fast and when they try to be 'nice' at her he told them that he has no intention to be friend with people who not insincere and only wish to become her friends so they can be close to him
Apparently Naruto doesn't care about his reputation much in school. You behave, he's cool with you. You try to mess with him or those who close to him, he push you back. There incident yesterday that few Empire students try to mess with him, they thought Naruto can't do anything since harming them will put him in bad situation
They learn it the hard way when Naruto beat them and tie them to window one by one and left them for hour, all while letting the whole students see their embarrassing state
She still remember how Sophia let out boisterous laugh while pointing to the skinheads that in terror from the height and how their feet not touching the ground. She, herself also chuckled at them
She still remember they laugh at her so it was fine to laugh back when they got pranked right?
Make no mistake the principal indeed call him to her office but according to him other than warning there is no punishment for him since he's not the one who looking for problem in first place
And perhaps it also because until now never once he show any sign to betray her, he even support her from far, when everyone try to look down at her he will glare at them and usher them away
That... Is perhaps what make her believe in him... Make her accept him as friend at least, true she still not comfortable with it but... It was nice to have someone who helping her, it been a while since he receive something like that from other...
"What are you doing anyway?" She decide to ask "Are you living close around here?"
"I'm patrolling around of course, mapping the area and gathering information." He explained "I've been doing that for few weeks like I told you this morning. What about you?" He asked back while looking up, down at her "You're parahuman too huh?"
"You seems not surprise at that."
"I already knew when the first time I meet you."
She feel her body stiffened at that, eyes wide behind her mask
"I have sensory power, I can tell difference between parahuman and normal people." He explained while poking his forehead with his thumb
He... He knew... He already knew... Then... Is that mean-
"And yes, I admit that was what make me come onto you in first place but my feeling to become friend with you? That was genuine."
"... Explain." She demanded after moment of silence
"You not going on rampage despite having power while got bullied." He said with smile, gentle and proud "Despite the students in there harming and spat on you, you keep yourself calm and not lash out at them." He then gestured to area around them, mainly one that filled with too many bugs "And knowing your power it would be very easy, you can unleash all these bugs to the school, to Sophia, Emma and Madison but you did not. That was very admirable and heroic of you Taylor."
The words was sincere, honest, gentle and warm. Taylor feel her face heatened under her mask and glad it was there, she sure Naruto will able to see her blush even if it was dark around here
"You know my power?" She asked, rather meek and timid than before
"Nope, but I have an idea, I'm not blind to not notice the bugs around us." He answered in good-natured manner
Well, he is sharp, she give him that, to be expected actually. While Naruto has his... Silly and childish moment but the blond is always sharp to his surrounding
'Thinker power? There's rating about it in PHO.' She thought as she recall her research. Still... This actually could be lie, a empty words to win her trust but...
What would he gain from her?
Her power is only controlling bugs, plain and simple, it wasn't much, what possibly could he want from her? She's not attractive and not too smart as well
"Why?" She asked "Why say this to me? I mean, why inform me you come to me because you knew I'm a cape?" Why you doing that? It was stupid move to reveal such thing if you have something you want from me. Those left unsaid but judging from Naruto face -though his eyes still unseen due to his sunglasses- he obviously caught what she trying to say
"Why I should not?" He asked back, voice plain and nonchalant "Taylor, I will be blunt, you are my friend. I will hide things from you in future and I may not answer your question but when I did, it will always be truth." He said with solid voice
He's telling the truth... Even if it only a mere words and there is no reassurance but he is telling the truth... She can know that by seeing his face and hearing his voice...
She trust him
"Thank you..." She doesn't know why she said it, but she feel her shoulder very light after saying those two words
In response he flash her grin, his foxy and annoying grin that she often see in last few days "Anytime Taylor." He said "Say, do you have a name? I don't mind you call mine out loud but..."
"Uhh, I still don't have one." She said, having decency to sounded sheepish "It kind of my first night out so I don't think about it."
"Hmm... Might want to pick one soon, you know there's few cape that given ridiculous name like? Chubster for example."
She grimaced at that, yeah, she not going to have that kind of name
"If you want I can company you to your first patrol right now, however I will suggest you change place."
"Change place?" She asked
"You are in ABB territory right now." He answered and she stiffened at that "Normally I won't think about it much, they only have two cape despite their large territory however Lung is out tonight, and he very pissed too"
He did not need to explain anymore, she perfectly understand what he tried to say. Lung is out tonight, the Dragon of Brockton Bay, the man who rumored to solo Leviathan and force the Endbringer to retreat
"What would you suggest?"
"Hmm, it's your first night out so it better if you play it safe and test yourself first. Go for Merchant territory, they're trash, good punching bag for new one." He answered "They're in opposite of this direction though, around commercial district."
That... That was pretty far...
"Too far, I will have problem going home."
Naruto grinned at that "Don't worry about that, I can teleport you back to here after we done."
"Teleport?" She asked, he can teleport?! Of course! There's Mover rating for him if she recall
"Yep. If you want to though, I mean, you can keep patrolling around here but watch out for Lung, he's not in his best mood after all and-"
"No, no, no." She waved her hand instantly "Let's hit Merchants tonight then, I think it will be very good to start from bottom first." She don't have any intention to go against Dragon of Brockton Bay, not in her first night out, nope thank you!
"Kay then, here." He extend his hand to her "Hold my hand, I will teleport us to there."
She stare at the offered limb for moment before grasping it
"A warning, you will feel a bit weird since it your first time."
Weird? What does he-
She did not able to finish her thought as she feel her World blurred with orange light
"Well... I knew you will be dizzy but..." Naruto stared at Taylor who on her knee and holding her head "Never thought it will be this strong."
"So many stars..."
The blond right eye twitched under his sunglasses, right, this has to stop. He raise his hands and performed two hands seals while approaching Taylor "Mystical Palm Technique." He murmured as his hand glowing with green energy and touch the bugs controller head
As soon as he did that Taylor shivered visibly, then she appear to look confused for moment before tilting her head "Huh? I'm not feeling dizzy anymore."
"I healed you." He said as he retract his hand
Taylor head snapped at him with speed that let her neck look broken "You can heal?!"
"Yup."
"Wow! That's... I read from PHO healing cape is rare!"
"Uh-huh, heard that many times so keep this secret okay? I'm not like it to get many people lined just so I can heal them." Naruto said "Especially if I got asked to increase their chest or dick size."
Taylor face heatened under her mask at the vulgar words "W-What?!"
"Especially if I-"
"No, no, no! Don't repeat that!" The bug girl yelled while flailing her arms at him. She clearly did not need to heard that again
Naruto only smirked in response "Anyway, keep it secret okay? Now..." He turned and glanced to certain direction
"Where were we?" Taylor asked as she follow his gaze
"Top of building nearby warehouse that store drug and small stash." Naruto said as he gestured to certain area
The Master looking down at the area he gestured, her eyes keenly observe the surrounding, she noted there few people in there, she can't see it clearly due to the distance and the lack of light
"It's hard to see."
"Kinda, but I can sense them." Naruto nodded "Can you talk with your bug?"
The dark costumed girl turned and give him look "Umm, no."
"No? Hmm." He rubbed his chin, well not completely like Aburame then "You control bugs, you mean all of them? Centipede, black widow, worms, butterfly, beetle, etc?"
"Yes."
Well... Her control more versatile and wide then, Aburame only can control certain type of bugs
"Can you find way to communicate with them then? Or connected to them." He asked again "I mean, you're obviously Master and as far I recall connected to those they control so maybe you can sense what they sense?"
"... I will try. Gimme a minute, I also need to gather insects around us."
Taylor then begin to concentrating, spreading her control to area around her. She was silent for few seconds before she winced and let out small hiss while holding her head
"What's wrong?" Naruto asked in slight concern
"A... Headache." She gritted out "I try to connect to one of bugs when they on pack."
"Ah... And?"
"Well, apparently having thousands of legs skittering and buzzing around your ears is not the best idea."
"Wow." He grimaced at the mental image "Need me to heal you again?"
"No, not need, I... I already start to get used to it." Taylor take deep breath and trying to relax her head "Give me another minute."
Naruto did not say anything and let her do as she wish. He focused back to the warehouse, eyes keenly observe the area around the place. Then he feel his clones dismissing themselves and their memories went to him
'Well... That wasn't bad...' He thought as he analyze the memories about the warehouse he got. Shadow Clone can be created without making smoke, there is trick for that and he already master it. He create few clones and send them to check on the warehouse surrounding
It will be good training for Taylor
"Got it." She said "I can connect to my bugs, I can see and hear through them but..." She paused for moment "It's not as good as normal, though I still can put the words together."
"That's good enough." Well, that clearly surpass his expectation, what would Aburame clan give to have that kind of ability. Commanding insects is one thing, but connected to them like that? Well... Even if they can talk to bugs but they are limited while Taylor not
"So... What should we do now?"
"What would you do?"
"Huh?"
"Taylor, I'm here to company you but this is your first night out. You're the star tonight." Naruto gestured to the warehouse below them "You're the main character, this is your scene, make your move. Plan to capture those goons and expose their drugs and money to authority."
He can't see her face but he sure she was uncertain, hesitate, and unsure what to do. It only for moment before she asked "And what about you?"
"I'm going to monitor you to make sure you're safe." He answered "You're here to learn Taylor, not to be a sidekick." He can tell her eye twitched at the 'sidekick' comment "So what's the plan?"
Taylor stare at him for almost a minute, then she turned to the warehouse as if thinking of something, and she look back at him "How about checking the guard first?"
He smiled "Good, you have ears and eyes everywhere, never hesitate to use them." He tilt his head almost in dramatic manner "Led your stage milady."
Well, it's been a while since I update this one. Nothing much I can say other than I am busy lately and while I have ideas how this story going and how the fight would be, I can't find time to write them
And more Naruto and Taylor conversation and how our blond win her trust. Yeah, Naruto pretty much sincere in here like we all know and that was actually very good in Taylor opinion. She have issue after all and Naruto choose his action pretty well
Anyway, in here we started the first night of Taylor. And instead go fighting against our mighty Dragon she got meet Naruto aaaand transferred to Merchants place instead
Yeah, change already started, and it seems not in good direction for our certain villain group. Taylor wasn't there to save them from rampaging Dragon after all
So how things will go for them? What about Taylor and Naruto? Well... You all will find out later in next chapter of course, so stay tune if you wish to know! This is it for now, I hope you love this chapter! don't forget to give this story Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD
P.S : by the way, can someone tell me the gangs, Protectorate and New Wave territory in Brockton Bay? I try to find it but get no result other than the city map. So, I will be very happy if someone willing to help me about that
