Okay.
Let's do this.
After I eat breakfast, which is Mc Donalds.
Chapter 9
Renamon and Rika had just witnessed Impmon taking on the next Deva though Rika didn't like it, Renamon had told her to stay out of the fight. After Indramon, the Horse Deva, left, Renamon had picked up Impmon, and taken him to Area 2 for treatment, before seeing Naruto there.
"Naruto?"
Wind pushed her out of a room. "Sorry, Renamon. Secret Project, the boss doesn't want it out. You'll see it when it's done." Wind then closed the door, confusing Renamon.
'It must be Rika's gift.' Renamon thought. 'I doubt he'd make one for Henry at this point.'
Renamon just put her ear to the door. "Don't think I don't know you're there, Renamon. Not even a silenced Terriermon could get past my senses." Naruto said. "Also, in the case of Impmon, I've got a feeling about him that I just don't like. Fair warning."
Renamon rolled her eyes and left the area, after checking on Impmon.
-Matsuki Bakery-
Naruto was working the register while his father was in the kitchen, since his mother had a fever. Naruto, seeing the symptoms, actually had her in bed at the moment. He had convinced her to stay in bed because she was even slightly under the weather. "Pops! We need another round of cream puffs, 4 minutes!" Naruto shouted.
"On it!" Takehiro shouted back. In 3 minutes, 13 seconds, 4 trays of Cream puffs flew out the kitchen, which Naruto caught without trouble, before tossing the trays into place, the trays landing perfectly in place the moment the Cream Puff tray beforehand, was emptied. He didn't even look before hitting a few buttons on the cash register. His face was trained on each customer, which was pleased with the unexpected talent, before giving them what they ask for, and sometimes an extra for them.
They always left happy, even if they came in grumpy, Naruto wouldn't have that, and made them smile before they left, or as they left.
And he never failed. Jeri came in, ordering her usual order. Naruto just reached underneath the counter, and tossed it to her. Jeri paid, nodded and went back out, but not before winking at him. Naruto didn't even blush, knowing it was for good luck.
By the time the day was over, Takehiro was exhausted, though Naruto wasn't even winded. "Dad, I think you need to get back in shape."
"Don't... remind... me..." Takehiro panted out. "You're... a slave... driver..."
"Really? You should ask Kazu and Kenta about how bad I can get when it comes to training."
Takehiro shook his head quickly, undermining his exhaustion. Naruto tossed him a bottle of water. "Drink up. After a day like today, you'll need to get re-hydrated." He froze part of the air into Ice, before putting it in his mouth. Takehiro didn't even question the action, having seen him do more insane things before.
Freezing the air was minor compared to some of his exploits, and Takehiro knew this.
After finishing the bottle of water, he looked at Naruto. "Ice?"
Naruto froze another block, and handed it to him. He just put it in his mouth, and felt completely refreshed quickly. After a few breaths, he was breathing normally. "How did you do that?"
"Simple. I search the Molecules in the air for the water, and freeze that, by stopping them on the Molecular level, and cooling that particular area down until it turns into ice." Seeing his father's confused look, he elaborated. "I turn the water in the air into Liquid water, and then freeze it within Milliseconds."
Takehiro nodded. "I get it."
"You didn't get the normal version, but rather a simplified version." Naruto pointed out. "I've taken a lot of lessons through Kurama's memories, and knowledge. It made learning from Namikaze that much easier." Noticing the code, Takehiro knew that they were being watched.
"Well, since he's only really shown himself recently, and never to us, we only know what's going on with the finished product." Takehiro pointed out. "Again, how do you know you can trust him?"
"I asked him that once." Naruto pointed out. "He told me one thing: "Look into my eyes. What do you see?" After that, I realized that there was something behind those eyes. I haven't questioned him since. Everything he does is for a reason. He just doesn't talk about those reasons."
"What did you see?"
"Something I couldn't figure out. Still, I saw the same thing in Rika's eyes. Jeri's eyes too. Knowing Jeri's situation, and Rika's as well, I made a connection. He knows the pain of loss. He probably doesn't want another to feel it." Naruto felt the presence leave, but continued. "Which is why I don't question it."
"Jeri lost her mother. What about Rika?"
"Her parents had been divorced. The fate of the father is unknown at the moment, but there are no death records that I've found with the name Nonaka, I've entertained the possibility he doesn't have the same last name as her mother, but I can't seem to figure it out. Still, ever since the divorce she cut herself off from everyone, even her family. I got her out of the habit in one conversation, whereas her mother had been trying for years."
"It's your charm. You can convince anyone to do nearly anything." Takehiro admitted. "You can take a look at nearly anyone and tell just what kind of person they are. They don't say a word, and you can effectively pinpoint what they like and what they don't like."
"Working at a Ramen Stand helps out." Naruto said, giving a code to end the secrecy, which Takehiro noted. "Anyway, go Check on mom. I'll get dinner started."
Takehiro just got up and went to his wife, seeing that she was reading in her bed. "Honey, Takato is cooking dinner tonight."
"Shop is already closed?" Yoshie asked.
"Yeah, and we filled three safes with the sales. Takato is a natural salesman. He can tell what a person wants just by looking at them, gives the price, and restocks from the cashier without looking at where they're going when I throw them out. He catches one without looking, and tosses it to the right spot, never taking his eyes off the customers. He doesn't even look at the register." Takehiro shook his head. "I think him remembering his life as Naruto is a good thing here. His ingrained instincts are finely tuned, his reactions, and ability to read others are unrivaled. Those three skills are highly useful with just the two of us."
"He didn't lose his cool once?"
"Nope. In fact, he calmed down some of the more irritated customers, before getting them to smile as they walk out the door."
"Well, I guess you two can run the store on your own." Naruto walked in at that point with a bowl of soup. "Here mom. It should help."
Yoshie had the bowl on a tray in her bed, and tasted it. "It tastes good. How is this good for me?"
"Trust me. After what Sakura had me eat to get better, I had to figure out how to make things both tasty and healthy. Ramen is where I started, and I branched off from there. I've got a list of dishes and ways to make them healthy." he shrugged. "Don't worry, there are ways to do anything if you know what it is you're doing... though sometimes it's better to not know, that way, you can bluff your way out if things turn sour."
Yoshie looked at him sadly. "By the way, Takato... I got in touch with someone named Koyuki. She said you knew her."
"Koyuki Kazahana?" Naruto asked, earning a small nod. "Snow Country, first real A-rank. I ended up having to take someone out, but considering what he did to the place, I'd do it all over again. Dotou was a bastard." He covered his mouth. "Sorry."
"Hearing what she told me of Dotou, I'll let it slide. That's actually nicer than what I came up with." Yoshie admitted. "Just don't mention him again. That guy is considered a bad person to be around."
"Sometimes, it's better to not remember the bad things, and only remember the good that come of them." Naruto said, wise voice returning. "I wish there were ways to forget the bad, and remember the good, but it's better to accept the past as it is. Never get yourself down because of the past, because you'll ruin your future. Time waits for no one. Just accept the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future."
"Each day is a gift, and not a given right." Takehiro added.
"If Today was your Last day?" Naruto asked.
"Nickelback." was the reply.
"How long have you been listening to music?" Yoshie asked.
"Ever since I picked up Takato's Ipod by mistake." Takehiro said, before realizing something. "How did you get an Ipod, anyway?"
"Now you ask about it." Naruto shook his head. "I've had it for months, and neither of you asked. The Casinos, however, you know of. Is it really that surprising?"
"Casino money?" Takehiro asked.
"The reason I don't really ask for a lot of stuff is because of them. I thought I told you that." Naruto admitted.
"Alright... so how's the Tamer Business?" Yoshie asked.
"Pretty good so far." Naruto replied. "No more than a single Ultimate and a few Champions for the last few weeks. The Ultimate didn't cause any lasting damage to the area. More like the Impmon that's been running around."
Yoshie nodded. "And... have you had to use Ayvuir Chaos?"
"Nope. I've been practicing with Order and Chaos to make sure it'll work, but I haven't used them in a bio-emergence site. Too much collateral."
"Order? As in, Ayvuir Order?" Takehiro questioned, thinking he heard wrong. Naruto facepalmed, confirming his suspicions. "Why did you get it?"
"I really think it's needed." Naruto sighed. "As much as I don't want to, I still think they're needed. And that in itself worries me. The results can be comparable to a SkullGreymon's Ground Zero attack. Not a pretty sight, let me tell you."
"You actually had a contest with one, didn't you?"
Naruto nodded. "Gotta say, SkullGreymon's reputation is well deserved. He really can level an entire city in one blast. Granted Ayvuir Chaos alone did more damage than a single Ground Zero when I actually used a special attack from it. Needless to say, me thinking that both of them are needed is not a good sign after seeing that."
After a few more hours of talking, Naruto went to sleep.
-With Yamaki-
This was one of the few nights he was forced to sleep, as his coworker Riley always tried to get him to do.
Sad thing is, this was not a completely uneventful sleep.
-Dreamscape-
Yamaki was floating in a completely white area. "Okay, I know that I have strange dreams sometimes but this is just wrong."
"You'd be surprised." A somewhat lazy voice said from behind him. He turned around and found a man in purple slacks that were slightly baggy, a vest with several pockets around it in 2 rows, and a pouch on his left hip. He wore a facemask over the bottom half of his face, and a headband with a metal plate bearing a spiraling leaf mark on it over his left eye. His hair a a gray silver, and looked like it defied gravity.
"Alright, who are you?" Yamaki questioned, his tone even.
"There's the attitude I had before it was shocked out of me last time." The man said. "Took me losing a friend to see what I was doing wrong."
"I'll only ask you..."
"I'm you." The man said. "Well, you in a past life."
Yamaki growled. "You expect me to believe this?"
The man took out a book and started reading it. "Honestly? No, I don't. Still, you're playing with my old student reborn. You may know him as Takato Matsuki. The looks are different, but the look in his eyes cannot be recreated. I'm you in everything but genetics."
"Alright then. Prove it. Say something that only I would know."
"That fling with Riley would be a good example." Yamaki tensed. "To be honest, that was probably more my influence than anything else. You were drunk, she was drunk... and I'll be the first to admit she's a bombshell beauty."
"Oh? And if I were drunk I wouldn't remember any of it. In fact, I don't."
"You don't... but I do. I'm not a lightweight drinker. Besides, Alcohol doesn't affect me. I can clearly see what was going on, and I must say I was entirely impressed that night. Especially with how you took her first."
At the perverted giggle, Yamaki nodded, actually remembering that one. "Alright, I'll admit it. I asked her what happened, and she didn't have a clue, about to ask if I did."
"Well, now that we have that settled, my old name was Kakashi Hatake. Now that I'm essentially you, I'm going to activate a few things I had to prove you were me. They've been ready for a while. I just had to wait until the right time."
"Oh? Like what?" Yamaki questioned, his voice still even.
Kakashi lifted the headband from over his eye and opened. "You might want an eye patch of sorts for your left eye. Cause when you wake up, you'll see it the moment you look into your mirror. It'll only be in the left eye, but you'll have a lot better endurance for it, and I've been trying to make it so it doesn't cause the strain on your body as it did mine." The red pupil with 3 commas on it appeared. "This eye is the Sharingan, and I could never turn it off. Show it to Takato, and watch his eyes carefully. If he mouths the word Sensei, or anything along those lines, hell even my name, that would mean he already remembers me."
"So, that disc he held in his hand was taught by you?"
"Actually... that was his own Creation." Kakashi admitted. "Naruto was a master of the Impossible. There's nothing more to it. He could never use it without a Clone present before I died, and became you."
"You saw what happened in the shed, right?"
"Actually... I was reading Icha Icha Tactics." he lifted the book up. "Ask him to rewrite the entire series, and give you the entire set. Trust me, for people like you and me, who tend to avoid others like the plague if we don't have to be around them, it's a godsend. Sadly, I died alone. The life of a Shinobi is hard, and most times, short. There's also one thing that I had to wipe his memory of. Something that he probably wouldn't remember. It regards his mission in Rouran. Mention it to him. I'll set up a mental link to you, so I can help you understand the codes he gives. I'm one of the only ones that completely understands them."
"You know anything about programming?"
"No. It's probably something he picked up from Koyuki's R&D department. Seriously, he helped them get the blimps to the best order they've ever been, upgrading their tech so far it would seem surreal. With him, nothing is guaranteed except for one thing: When the Impossible shit hits the fan, you can count on him to take care of it. Kid or not, he's a battle hardened warrior, with the experience and skill to back it up. Seeing him use the Fuuton: Rasengan on that wall in front of you, though flashy, I'll admit was necessary. You wouldn't have believed his threat without visual proof. He knew it. I can tell he still doesn't trust you, as per your last meeting with him. Considering what you're trying to do, I'm not surprised. I just hope he doesn't have Ayvuir Order with him by now."
"Ayvuir Order?"
"It's a sword he made. His favorite toy of mass destruction. He was able to level an entire village nearly 20 miles in diameter in one blast. Seriously, that thing is a menace."
"He claimed to have rebuilt it."
"Oh... that's not good."
"Why don't you tell me what you know about Naruto, and I'll see what I can connect it with Takato. Perhaps we can find the connection between the two."
They talked for a long time, hours actually. After a while, Yamaki nodded. "Yes, the similarities are uncanny. I see it all. And to think that he'd actually go that far?"
"Hey, he's stubborn as a ox, cunning as a fox, courageous as a lion, and loyal as a dog to those he deems worthy. You ever truly gain his trust, he will never betray you willingly. Just like Sasuke. It was only after Sasuke did the unthinkable that he actually killed him off... well, Sakura landed the final blow, but still, After what he did, I guess I can't say I'm surprised."
'You think he'd actually kill me?" Yamaki questioned.
Kakashi shrugged. "To be honest, he doesn't like to kill, but knows when its necessary. He understands duty far better than most would think. Oh, and if there are any pranks that have no clear suspect... odds are its him."
Yamaki nodded. "I'll keep the Sharingan a secret. You know Obito is alive right?"
"Yeah. Sadly, this isn't exactly what I was hoping for, but at least he's not out to brainwash everyone anymore."
"No kidding. It's no wonder Takato didn't trust him at first."
"It's not the first time he's fought alongside a previous enemy. It happens a lot as a Shinobi."
"Alright, get some rest. You'll need it." Kakashi said.
-Dream end-
Yamaki woke up after a good 10 hour nap with a lazy look on his face. He got up and walked to the bathroom, his left eye closed. He opened it to the mirror. It wasn't the Sharingan, he used one of Kakashi's memories to channel his chakra to the eye.
The Sharingan appeared in the eye. 'Looks like I don't have to hide it like I did as Kakashi.' Yamaki thought.
He got ready for the day and then walked to Hypnos, his usual face on. There was one difference in his outfit that was different than usual.
He had a face mask like Kakashi's on, his sunglasses on as well. When Riley noticed it, she asked. "What's with the Face mask?"
"Let's just say I had an epiphany and be done with it. Status on the Bio-emergences?"
"Only one came through while you were asleep. It made it through, but there was no damage. No reports of the Tamers either. They've kept themselves well hidden." Riley replied.
"Sir, we seem to have trouble." Tally said. "There's another Wild one coming. It's coming through the Juggernaut Core. We can't stop it!"
"Looks like this one is mine." Obito said, signaling his presence.
"Wait, Tobi." Yamaki said, pulling out a scroll, and biting his thumb so it could bleed, before he was covered in multiple bursts of smoke, before he was dressed like Kakashi usually was. His head band was straight up. "Let's see if you recognize some of what I know."
"You're a programmer Yamaki. Not a fighter."
Yamaki then held up the ram sign, and vanished in a puff of smoke. Obito's eyes widened. 'Shunshin? But that would mean...' Obito left using his Sharingan.
"Riley, did you know Yamaki could do that?" Tally asked.
"No. He couldn't. Let's get a visual." Riley stated.
-bridge-
Indramon was standing in front of Impmon, when Yamaki showed up, Obito right after him, Lucemon right there. "An Impmon?"Obito questioned. "Where's your tamer?"
"I don't need no stinking tamer! I don't ANYONE!" Impmon's eyes changed, Yamaki and Obito noticed it. Both were shocked. "That is the TRUE STRENGTH OF AN UCHIHA!"
Lightning formed around Impmon's hand. "That's not a Digimon move. And definitely not one an Impmon can use."
Impmon jumped. "CHIDORI!"
It didn't do much. Only a small scratch. "What?!"
Yamaki then jumped up, Sharingan active. He went through 3 Handsigns the Impmon knew immediately. "RAIKIRI!" This one tore the horn in half.
"My Horn of Desolation!" Indramon shouted.
"Diamond Storm!" Renamon arrived on the scene, Rika nearby.
"Rapid Pyro Sphere!" Guilmon shouted from the other side, hitting Indramon in his back 6 times. Naruto was right next to him.
"Arg... You fools." Indramon cursed.
"Gargo laser!" Indramon was hit several times from Gargomon who was hanging from a streetlight. Henry landed next to Takato. "Yamaki... how did you do that?"
"I'm wondering the same thing, Naruto." Obito said.
"You haven't earned the right to call me that, Obito."
Yamaki looked straight at Naruto, the Sharingan active, but that's not what sent him off guard.
It was the fact that it was in one eye. The left eye. "No..."
"Didn't know until last night." Yamaki admitted. "Not taken over the life, like you did."
"I didn't take over a life, because I started the life. From birth. Actually, I'll be honest. Being aware while inside the womb is gross. Even by my standards." Naruto admitted.
"You've got a Deva here, and you're just talking?" Henry asked.
"The way I see it, Yamaki being Kakashi is more important." Naruto admitted.
"What did I tell you about priorities?"
"I know what you're saying, and I do have them straight. I told you before, and I'll tell you again. I know exactly what I'm doing." He pulled out Ayvuir Order.
Rika's eyes widened. "RENAMON GET BACK BACK!"
Henry then shouted. "Digimodify! Wargreymon's Brave Shield Activate!" Gargomon was right in front of Henry and Guilmon just didn't move.
"Grand Cross Shield!" 10 orbs surrounded Lucemon and Obito, who were right next to each other.
"Order Slash!" Naruto swung Ayvuir order horizontally, and an arc of energy then sent several lines towards Indramon, effectively deleting him. "See what I mean? I could've deleted him at any time. If you have any of Kakashi's memories of me, you'd know that I'm only as serious as I have to be." Naruto pulled out what looked like a zippo lighter, flicked it open, and sucked in the Data as a white light absorbed it. "New toy. Data absorption and analysis."
"I didn't need your help!" Impmon shouted.
"Chidori should have been a lot stronger than that, Impmon." Yamaki pointed out. "Your body can't handle the power you have within you. Your limits are always there, and you do not know what truly matters... Sasuke Uchiha."
This raised an eyebrow from Naruto. "What are you talking about? No Impmon could use... the... Shit."
"You just figured it out."
"I was thinking that wasn't possible. I mean, a Human being reincarnated as a Digimon?" Naruto questioned. "Then I remembered what Rika showed me happened to her."
Yamaki raised an eyebrow. "Ino had become a Lilithmon." Yamaki immediately face vaulted.
"Who's Ino?" Henry questioned.
"A friend that went missing a while back. She was missing for 10 years before I... died." Naruto sighed. "This is just getting more complicated."
"No kidding." Rika admitted, capturing his lips briefly. "Still, we have to figure out what the D-Reaper wants. Until we find out that, we'll have to hold them off."
"I already have a theory on it." Naruto said. "Henry, remember when your father said that D-Reaper was originally created to keep things from exceeding their original memory capacity?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Evolution is a variation of exceeding the usual limits. Humanity has no true limits. The reason lies in our Emotions, and our drive. Digimon exceed their limits by Digivolution."
"So, you think that D-Reaper will go after humans, thinking that humans have exceeded their limits?" Yamaki questioned.
"In a nutshell, it will probably try to wipe out the Digimon first. Then it would come after us." Naruto said. "Humans exceed their physical limits because there are always ways around them. Some limits can be gotten around without breaking them. Flight, for example. Normally, a Human can't fly. The Tsuchikage could fly. I can fly. Anyone with a plane can fly. D-Reaper will like see adapting as Evolution, and therefore anything that can adapt is exceeding their limits. Nothing will survive."
Yamaki nodded in agreement with the statement. "It makes sense. But what are the Devas after?"
"The Light of Digivolution." Naruto said. "Calumon."
"But wouldn't D-reaper be held back for some time?" Rika asked.
"The timeframe for D-Reaper's return would depend on how long it takes for Calumon to be taken to the Digital World. D-Reaper may target Calumon if he's brought there."
"Wouldn't that mean the efforts I made at slowing it down useless?" Obito questioned.
"No. Slowing it down had its advantages. We have more time to prepare for the inevitable. When the inevitable comes, however, is where we choose what happens. If we are properly prepared, then we'll survive. If not, all is lost."
"It's not like you to think negatively."
"I know that." Naruto waved him off. "There's more to this than we're seeing, though. Something else is going on. We don't know what, though."
Lucemon then let loose a small growl, which Obito noticed. "Alright, what's wrong?"
"Him." Lucemon pointed at Guilmon.
"He's an ally. Not a threat."
"He is not to be trusted. Not with his..."
"If you're talking about the Hazard, I'm well aware of it. I've also got full control over it myself. He may not have full control without me, but I know that he'll be fine as long as I'm around." Naruto sent a pointed glare at Lucemon. "If I recall, you have power over the Hazard as well. You know how dangerous it can be if used wrong. I've managed to tame something less powerful yet more dangerous. Compared to the years it took me to learn control over that, it only took me a few months to fully control the Hazard on my own. I've also been teaching Guilmon to control it himself, in case he does use it subconsciously. Guilmon and I can use things using the Hazard that normally couldn't be used. Remember that, because if you go after him, I'll tear you apart." Naruto looked at Guilmon who nodded, and vanished.
He then walked off. Lucemon made a spiraling vortex above himself and went through. Obito sighing, before following suit. Rika ran after Naruto, while Renamon vanished from sight. Henry and Terriermon just walked off before seeing Kazu and Kenta. Jeri right next to them. "What are you three doing here?" Henry asked.
"Watching Takato kick butt." Kazu said.
"We wouldn't be able to handle an Ultimate." Kenta pointed out. "I mean, I took out a Fugamon a few hours ago, but I was exhausted for a while. I still managed to get out without being seen."
Jeri shook her head. "Sorry, Henry. I was actually waiting for you. Remember, we've got a date tomorrow."
"Dude, you're taking Jeri on a date?" Kazu gaped. "Are you crazy?"
"I listen to Takato when it comes to plans, and he's crazy." Henry pointed out. "How could I not be?"
Kazu had no retort for that. "You've got a point there." Kenta admitted.
Then Kazu spoke again. "I guess it's always the crazy ones that lead. Figures."
"You're right. Crazy leader means Crazy plan. Crazy plan equals a BS win. BS win means we move on to the next Crazy Plan. Cycle complete." Jeri admitted.
"That makes no sense." Kenta pointed out.
"It does when you're around Takato enough."
"Actually, he may not like the way Insanity works." Kazu pointed out, shrugging. "It's probably just him."
"You're right, it probably is." Jeri admitted.
"But Kazu, you've spent as much time training with him as I have."
"Yeah but I was crazy before you met me." Kazu retorted.
"So you admit it!" Kenta shouted.
"And I'm proud of it!" Kazu puffed out his chest, reminding Jeri vaguely of...
'I can't think like that. He's dead. Nothing more to it.' she thought.
-with Naruto and Rika-
They were walking around randomly. Naruto noticed something on Rika's mind. "What's wrong?"
"Something just feels... off. How did Lucemon see that Guilmon had the Hazard?"
"Remember, Lucemon also has partial control over it. He's able to sense it out. He's powerful enough in his Mega form to combat it, but he can't destroy it. He was never able to. Supposedly, a Knight known as the Hazard Knight, absorbed it, and sealed it away within his own body. The actual name of the Digimon itself is unknown, as it's only a myth, but it's supposedly one of the Royal Knights, none of which are truly named here. I have a feeling that Omnimon is one of them. Paildramon would be a good second Choice. I'd have to do some research of my own on it to find out possible Knights."
"You work too much." Rika pointed out. "You need to rest too, you know?"
"I can't help it. I can't sit still when I know there's something I can do." Naruto sighed. "It's just too ingrained into me. That's something I can't ignore." He then got a smirk on his face. "Question."
"Who do you want hit, and why do you want me to do it?"
"Remember what I told you about the Lilymon?" Naruto asked.
Rika's eyes widened. "You want me to..." A nod. "Where and when?"
-a few days later-
Jeri had come across a Leomon, when another Deva appeared. Naruto was there quickly, and the Deva retreated. "How did I miss this one?" Naruto questioned himself.
"I didn't realize it was there until he was almost on top of me. I knew I would've had a better chance with a Digimon, or even around water, which is why I led it here." Jeri pointed at the fountain. "If you can't beat them head on, go to your main element. Shinobi rule 78, right?"
Naruto nodded. "That it is." Rika ran up to them. "Where is it?"
"It's disappeared from my senses."
"I can't see it with my Byakugan." Jeri admitted.
"It's got its energy completely masked with that of the nature around it." Naruto said. "I can't pick it up for the moment. If I keep an eye out, then I'll be able to find it the moment it moves."
Jeri nodded, as did Rika. "If you'll excuse me, I have to go follow a Leomon." Jeri then ran off, leaving a slightly confused Rika and Naruto. "Did she just..." Rika started.
"Yes. She did."
"You thinking about telling her that..."
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I can see them pairing up." Naruto admitted. "Jeri looks fragile, but then again, so did Hinata. Their strength lies not in their bodies, but rather their heart. Their soul. That's why I can see it happening."
"So, you willing to watch this play out?" Rika asked.
"Why not? I've been bored for a bit, and you know that's not a good thing."
-a few hours later-
Leomon was hiding in a shed. More specifically, the Hideout. Jeri showed up at the door, leaning against it. "So, you willing to call it quits, Leomon?"
"Look, I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I've been working alone so far. It's done me no wrong so far." Leomon pointed out. "Why can't you get that you aren't my partner?"
"It's because you've got a Lion's Heart. If you ever get a partner, it would be me. At least, that's what someone else is likely to think." Jeri pointed out.
"Look kid, I don't get it. Why don't you just accept that I'm not your partner?"
"You ever find yourself helpless? That you don't have what it takes to fight, when you've got the ability to? And yet you still fight, knowing you have no chance?"
"I don't see how that deals with you following me around." Leomon pointed out.
Naruto then came out of the shadows. "So, Jeri pinned you in the Shed, eh?" Leomon looked at Naruto in surprise.
"Who are you?"
Naruto simply pulls out his Digivice. "A Tamer, but not your partner. Jeri wants a partner herself so she can help out. On her own, she can handle at least a Champion level."
"She has the stamina, for sure. But the skill?"
"She's the only one here that's been able to make me submit, and that includes Digimon up to High Champion. Not the Devas, which is apparently what you ran into earlier with Jeri. Speaking of which, what did it look like?"
"Similar to a rat." Jeri said, not taking her eyes off of Leomon. "It was the Rat Deva, but I didn't get a name. But be careful. You may get a little ticked off if it attacks you."
"Why? It doesn't clone itself..." Naruto paused. "He did, didn't he?"
"He didn't, but I think he can." Jeri said.
"If I go after him it'll cause collateral. Leomon, a compromise." Naruto said, earning both of their attention. "Work with Jeri on this one. If she gets a Digivice during or after the fight, then she is rightfully your partner. If not, go solo for a while until you see reason to return. That fine?"
Leomon thought for a moment, and looked at Jeri, who did the same. "I'll try, but I don't see it happening."
"Trust me." Naruto said with a smile on his face. 'If everything goes like I think, Jeri will have a partner, Leomon will continue to protect others, and Jeri will finally leave me the hell alone. She's been bugging me for a while about this.'
"Alright. I'm out of here. See you soon." Naruto walked back into the Shadows, and vanished.
Leomon sighed. "Alright. I'm willing to try this, if it will get you to stop following me around."
Jeri nodded, activating her Byakugan again. "Takato may not be able to find the Rat Deva with his senses, but, hidden or not, I could find him in a 15 Kilometer radius."
While Jeri and Leomon were walking around, Jeri stopped seeing Henry. "Henry?"
"Jeri? You've got a partner?" Henry asked, Terriermon on his shoulder.
"Well, we're just trying it out right now. I don't have a Digivice, sadly." Jeri admitted.
"Oh. Why are you just walking around, then?"
"Trying to find the Rat Deva. Why?"
"You're going to go up against a Deva? Are you going crazy?" Henry asked.
"I tell you what I can do, I show you, and you call me crazy for doing this?" Jeri raised an eyebrow, before turning her head towards the trees.
"What are you looking at?"
"Digimon." Terriermon said, looking in the same direction as Jeri.
Henry closed his eyes. "Found him." he opened his eyes, and glared into the tree line.
"How is it that you Humans can sense this one?" Leomon asked.
"We were trained to, but I'm not much of a sensor." Henry admitted. "Jeri's better than I am. In fact, I'd say a Numemon probably senses better than I can unless I focus on what I'm looking for."
It was at that point, the Rat Deva came out of the tree line, attacking Leomon. "You're history!"
Leomon blocked the strike, before the Deva backed off. "Kumbhiramon. Ultimate level Deva. Attacks are Deva clone... Treasure Pestle?" Henry read as Terriermon scanned it. "Terriermon..."
"No. Let us handle this, Henry." Jeri said, her voice serious. "This is part of the deal. If a Digivice appears, then we're partners. If it doesn't, then Leomon goes off, only to return if he wishes. We need to do this alone."
Henry looked at Terriermon. "Don't look at me, I've got nothing to say to that."
Henry sweatdropped. "I was actually waiting for the Momentai, but okay." he looked back a Jeri. "We'll hang back, but if it gets too dangerous, we're stepping in."
"You're about to be outnumbered you oversized Alley cat. Deva clone!" Kumbhiramon shouted. Splitting into 6, trapping Leomon and Jeri inside.
"Kid, I don't know why you're in this too."
"If my partner is putting themselves in danger, then so am I." Jeri said, activating her Byakugan.
"Are you still on that?"
"I will be until it's proven false." Jeri smiled a bit.
"Treasure pestle!" Several of the Kumbhiramon jumped up and attacked Leomon, which he blocked with his sword.
Another one was about to attack him from behind, but Jeri jumped up and kicked its gut, knocking it away. "Losing your touch?" Jeri asked, a smile on her face.
"No talking." Leomon said, as he got back to back with Jeri. The clones went forward, and attacked, Jeri and Leomon fighting them off each time they came in. This kept up for a while. "Damn. There's too many of them."
"You getting tired, Leomon?" Jeri asked, her breathing even.
"I don't see how you can handle this much effort, kid." Leomon said, slightly panting.
"What you think just because I look fragile, I'm weak?"
"Uh..." Leomon didn't have a counter.
"I should probably tell you something about the Rose. On the outside, it looks beautiful, but underneath are thorns that can hurt. The saying Beauty kills sums it up quite nicely." Jeri pointed out.
Leo just smirked. "You've got a point there, kid. I don't suppose you have a plan."
Jeri's smile turned into a smirk. "First we have to break their line. Then we take them out." She said as she threw an open palm towards an approaching Kumbhiramon clone, sending outwards.
"How do you propose we do that?" Leomon questioned, knocking another one back.
Jeri then thought of something else. "That's it. Leomon, I'm gonna need to be on your head for this. It'll leave them stunned for a bit, and we can use that to get out of the circle."
Leomon was skeptical, but nodded. "Do it."
Jeri jumped and landed on Leomon's head, and then started throwing her arms around in all directions. "Protective 8 Trigrams: 64 palms!" Several Deva Clones jumped straight into the barrier, and flew back, stunned. She stopped moving her arms around, and Leomon jumped out of the ring before the Deva Clones could move again.
"Nice barrier, kid."
"It's Jeri. Jeri Katou." She replied, as a glow appeared before her. She was surprised at first, but then grabbed it and it showed her White Digivice with a Yellow ring around the screen. She put it in her pouch, and then looked at Kumbhiramon, who had gotten up. "6 ducks in a row." She mused.
"You said you had a plan, but it needed us out of the circle. Well, we're out."
"It's simple. I set him up, you knock him down." She got into a stance. Her feet were together, her arms horizontal to her body, one to the front, the other to the side.
"How do you plan to do that?" Leomon looked at her out of the corner of his eye, and noticed the stance. 'That looks almost like...'
"Like this. Gentle Step." her arms went to both sides, and were covered in a Chakra shaped like lion heads. "Twin Lion's fists!"
Leomon's eyes widened at the name, realizing he was right. "Set him up, I'll knock him down!"
"Right!" Jeri charged forward and hit each Clone into the air surprising the Deva Clones at her speed. The Lion's heads were gone, and she quickly whipped out her Digivice and a card. "Digimodify! Power Activate!" She swiped the card.
"Fist of the Beast King!" Leomon threw a punch and eliminated all the Deva Clones, before the real Kumbhiramon started falling. Jeri had jumped up, a single fist covered in Blue flames. "Gentle Step: Fist of the Beast King!" She went straight through the falling Kumbhiramon, thus deleting it. Jeri landed, and looked at Leomon. "Sorry about the knockoff. I've been working on it for a few months now, though. Before you even showed up."
"Such a little thing with the Heart of a Lion..." Leomon mused. "I can live with her."
Henry just watched, as did Terriermon. "You think we were really needed here?" The rabbit asked.
"Only to find out who it was. We didn't do anything else." Henry pointed out.
"That figures. We're getting more in sync with our senses though. Well... Takato and Guilmon are. Those two are as synchronized as possible." Terriermon admitted.
"I think Rika and Takato are more synchronized than you and me."
"Momentai, Henry."
None of them noticed that they were being watched, Hinata talking with Leomon, and Henry just watching her.
The observer simply had one thought. 'Where is that damn Catalyst? It's like it's hidden even from the best senses!' Naruto was instantly next to the observer, hiding his own presence completely in the tree, looking with one eye. 'This one... How I didn't sense him before is beyond me. Although, it may have something to do with his entire Energy sources suppressed to the max. If I didn't see him in person, I would've just overlooked it slightly. I can't find out his level without giving my knowledge of him away. He's probably been following us for a while. If it's a Deva, then I'd bet Ramen that he's supposed to scout out Calumon. Heh, a useless task. No Digimon under Mega level would be able to sense the Cloaking Seal I put on Calumon under his ear.'
Naruto then left the shadow of the tree completely, ending up running towards Jeri and Henry, Rika right next to him, Guilmon and Renamon there as well.
"Hey, Jeri!"
"Takato!" Jeri replied.
"I thank you for bringing up the compromise. It proved... useful." Leomon looked at Jeri. "I am not above admitting when I'm wrong."
Jeri nodded. "You just didn't realize it, Leomon. There's nothing to worry about."
"Well, its good that you two get along." Naruto admitted. "Remember what I told you, Jeri. It's not strength of body that matters, though it certainly helps. It's the Mind," He tapped his temple. "Heart," He tapped his heart. "And soul that matters. Your heart is among the biggest I've ever seen. Your soul is more pure than a lot of humans. Your mind... well you got the mind from me. I'm a little contagious."
Jeri giggled. "No kidding. Just look at Rika."
"I didn't spread there." Naruto retorted. "I just brought hers out."
"You saying I was bound to go crazy?" Rika questioned.
"I'm saying your mind was like a fox before we met. You just needed a push to realize it." Naruto shrugged. "Anyway, Jeri, I don't think I've keyed you into Areas 1-3."
"You didn't have to. I already found the master key, and did it myself." Jeri smiled. "You think I would've jut sit back and not do anything when I can?"
They all laughed at that. Impmon landed next to Naruto. "Alright, Dobe. What the hell is going on?"
Everyone stopped laughing, and all Digimon were on edge. Naruto looked at Impmon. "Look, you won't be able to handle anything like Kirin without destroying yourself at this point. And I even escaped that. You think anything you can do right now would harm me?"
"I'm the greatest! There's nothing you can do about it!"
Naruto shook his head. "Sasuke, you have never learned what truly matters in life. Until you do, you will never be the strongest. You had the chance to learn as a human, but you never accepted it. Even when I offered it thousands of times. I had to beat it into you, and you still didn't believe me. If I were trying to... you wouldn't have survived the valley. You would have died then and there if I wanted to. But I held back. I wanted to help you. You were too stubborn. Had I truly tried killing you, you would've died then and there. I spared you because of a promise, and you spared me on a whim. You thought you could kill me after 3 years, believing I never changed. Change is everywhere, Impmon. Accepting the change is the problem. That is your problem. Until you understand what I've been saying for all those years, you will never be strong. Power does not equal strength. Sakura leveled a Mountain when she was 16. She took out Sasori when he was in Akatsuki. The fangirl you knew took out an S-rank criminal. Like it or not, some people actually learn. You don't learn from your mistakes."
Impmon was scowling. "You're a fool." Impmon then ran off.
Naruto vaguely caught a tear dropping along his retreat. 'Uchiha or not, he's still a child again.' Naruto thought.
"That was Sasuke?" Henry asked.
"I thought we went over this after Indramon." Naruto said.
"Oh yeah." Henry stated, remembering the conversation. "What about Kazu and Kenta, though?"
"Oh. They'll learn when they actually need to know. Impmon would have to go Ultimate before I consider him a threat." Naruto shrugged.
Leomon was skeptical, but Jeri nodded. "He doesn't know of the changes you went through since he died last time. That's well over 40 years."
"That begs the question, though. Did he come back before me, and learned more here?" Naruto shrugged. "Only time will tell. Until then, we've got to work on keeping the Devas from being seen by the public. The moment that happens, mass chaos will ensue." Naruto then blinked, before stepping back a bit, catching Calumon by the ear. "Calumon..."
"Hey Takato! Wanna play?"
Naruto smiled. "Well... okay. Get in the pocket."
"What are we gonna play?" Calumon asked.
Naruto looked at Renamon. "Area 1. We're gonna race." Renamon looked at Rika.
"Humor him." Renamon nodded, and they both flashed out. Another Naruto appeared. "Don't think I forgot about you, Rika. I'd still take you home. Something tells me it would be a good idea."
Rika shrugged. "I'll be going home anyway. Make sure Renamon is in one piece when your creator is done."
Naruto and Rika walked out of the area, Guilmon flashing to Area 4. Henry then tossed Jeri a Green Card. "Scan that, Jeri. It'll make Leomon immune to Juggernaut if Yamaki uses it."
"Does Obito have that part?"
"Takato doesn't trust him yet, and Obito's partner doesn't trust Guilmon. You know how Takato is on trust." Henry pointed out.
"You've got a point there." Jeri looked at Leomon, and then swiped the card. Leomon felt a tingle in the back of his head. "What just happened?"
"It was a recoding of your Digicore. It does nothing to your strength, skill, or memories. Just makes it so the Juggernaut doesn't recognize you as a Digimon." Henry explained. "That's basically the jist of it. Even my own father didn't get the complicated explanation. I know I didn't."
Jeri looked at Leomon. "You okay?"
"Yes, I do feel fine. However, it appears as though Humans do not really know of the existence of Digimon." Leomon pointed out.
"You're right. You think you can keep a low profile until we have to go public?"
"I can definitely try." Leomon said, standing up. Jeri was next to him as they walked together. "See ya Henry!" Jeri then touched Leomon's waist, making him shrink in size and turn into a more human shape. He basically looked like Neji with blond hair, and Leomon's eye color. "What the..."
"It's how you can blend in. I don't think many Digimon will come through before the next Deva, but something is definitely going to happen when it comes. Try not to get into fights until then, otherwise I'll have to put it up again. Okay?"
"I understand that much. Thank you for helping. However..."
"If anyone asks, just say that you're my martial arts teacher. Some of my moves are based off of yours, in a sense. It could help." Jeri smiled, as they walked out.
"And my lack of a background?" Leomon inquired.
"You're more of an unknown. A ghost in the system. You've lived without notice for so long until I ran into you in the mountains. You've been off the radar for a long time, and just came out to help when you saw potential in a student."
"Well, you do have potential, that's for sure." Leomon smirked a bit. "It's a good thing I know what to say to that."
"Don't worry, my father will realize it, and this is basically the first time you'd be meeting him."
The strange observer continued to watch. 'I do not get what is going on with them? They are fools, and yet they seem to know what they are doing. Still, it seems like the Catalyst hangs around them. They will lead the Catalyst to me. Yes, that will work.'
The observer then vanished into thin air.
00000x00000
Chapter complete!
Yes, I made Leomon a partner earlier than Canon. Don't like it, get over it.
Naruto had done a lot, and Sasuke died before he reached 18 years old. Yes, Rika knows of Sasuke's death.
As for the Bakery point, he's been doing that for a while. Think about it, he worked at Ichiraku's for years, on his days off, he should know how to do that with ease and not look at what he's doing in front of him.
Sasuke being Impmon is actually a point that I thought of after I made Ino a Lilithmon.
Having Yamaki being Kakashi is another thing entirely. I did not plan that one.
And what was up with Kazu?
Is Henry a Reincarnation of someone else too?
What about Rika's Father?
Yes, the observer is a Deva. Those of you who have watched the show would know who it is.
And I wasn't exaggerating on the seal put on Calumon. I believe the only one to be able to find Calumon would be Baihumon, the Sovereign of the West, and that's only if he got close. Zhuqiaomon of the South is not patient enough to focus, Ebonwumon of the North is too old and would likely forget quickly. Azulongmon would probably ram Calumon before finding him.
Baihumon's only advantage to finding Calumon will only work if he knows what Calumon smells like. Rika and Naruto are the only ones to be able to keep a continuous eye on him because of the usage of Fuuinjutsu.
GAME OVER!
See ya next fall!
