Small chapter, but still setting up things before graduation. I didn't realize the problems time skips come with -.- Hopefully I'm doing a sufficient job of showing what he has been doing during the skip. Enjoy and please comment!
...
I heard the pitter patter of heels behind me, I slowed to let her catch up. I turned. "Hello, princess." I said with a bow. She giggled. "There's no need for that." I morphed my face in mock offense. "I would never." She giggled once more before slipping her hands in the hook of my arm. We made our way down the hall. "My grandfather has been talking about seeing us wed." She said, uncertain. She seemed afraid of my response, but for the most part I was fine with it. She was the only other human I was close to other than the old man and Naruto. I wouldn't say I love her, but I would never hurt her. The original may be upset that I progressed the plan to this point. He didn't wish for me to get close to the Fire Daimyo's granddaughter, but she was persistent. I couldn't very well turn her away.
"Oh? And how do you feel about that Lady Ayumi?" She scrunched her beautiful face in contemplation. She was a pretty young woman of fourteen. Older than I am in this world, but still relatively young. Brown hair tied in a bun, along with an extravagant dress worn by the people of the capital, but she was largely a tomboy. I've seen her dirty those dresses, worth a fortune, more times than I can count. "I… would not disagree to the engagement." I stopped and turned towards her. "I would be a lucky man then." I said, causing her to blush furiously. I gave a giggle in response. "The wild Lady Ayumi, blushing." She punched my shoulder lightly before smiling. "Well, I'll inform him of the decision. You better be ready to put up with my antics."
"Hmmm… I wonder if this engagement was also one of your antics. Did you perhaps pester him about this?" The blush returned, only with an expression of a deer in headlights. Caught, huh?
"I… I-I… T-they have been nagging me about finding a suitable groom for a while. I only wished for someone close." She stammered out, before turning and making a quick exit. I laughed at her response, before finding my way back to my room. I've been the longest running blood clone. Doing operations in the Fire Capital for nearly three years. I could see the split from the original I have gained. I'm still him, but not entirely the same. I sighed before removing my clothes, preparing for bed. I summoned a spider, dreading the response.
Have been engaged to Fire Daimyo's granddaughter. Lady Ayumi. Further instructions needed. The spider poofed away. Not long after I received a reply.
Dispel yourself. I will send another with current plans and memories… I am not angry, I'm sure I'll see why when the memories come. I sighed out of relief before making my way to the shower. Turning the water on, I dispelled myself.
The memories flooded my mind, and it took a while to sift through them, then the emotions came along with it. This drawback is the only major side effect to the blood clones. It could change my personality depending greatly on the experiences of the clone. I stood before making another blood clone. 'Another person to add to the village.'
"Take care of her. She's important." He nodded.
"I know." He ran off after his reply.
'Oh, finally got a love life, huh? Was wondering when that would happen.'
'Shut up.' The beast laughed in response, before quieting. I didn't even have one person I was close to in my last life. It felt… nice. I'm glad the blood clone was mostly honest with Ayumi, it would make things awkward later on. She's aware of my ambition and probably recognizes the marriage will further my goals. Despite that, she still chose to pursue it. I could only admire her for that.
With the Hokage now aware to the Akatsuki's presence, and precautions taken, I let sleep take me, feeling safe.
