Pseudo Styles V-II: A Naruto Fanfiction

by Alpha Vii

(Shut down for the foreseeable future.) Second iteration. Slow burn. Mass bash/anti-bash story. Dark COP. The world of shinobi. Deception is their way of life, although many have come to forgive that attribute. When the greatest atrocity is in your own backyard however... The swarm does not forgive secrets.

11. Chap 11: Clearing the Murky Waters

Pseudo Styles V-II: A Naruto Fanfiction: Chapter 11: Clearing the Murky Waters: Parts 1-3

Re-Note Oct/31: Alpha sighs, "Sorry about the longer wait. I'm entering a period of transition and the Qi utilized in my writing has been used elsewhere more often than it has been. Fortunately I think this chapter will be slightly longer than the last few." Alpha continues typing, "There's one more thing. The initial chapter contains a unique scene that you might not see too often. It provides a bit of context regarding the Vii and our spirits."

Alpha sighs, "Well…Let's get to it. I had a bit of trouble properly identifying the technique Ambiance used the other day and it wasn't until I went to bed that night that I remembered what I'd actually planned to call it. Just this morning (Oct/29) I adjusted the name to be a bit less…weird. The specific 'last stand' variant that ambiance used was not all that different from the yellow chakra swords from gen 1. In appearance they're not actually that far off from the chakra chains that Kushina uses to bind the Ninetails. For clarities sake I'll try to get around to posting in on the profile I am working on. Before getting started with today's writing; I'll try and set up the profile page with some of the more major notes I've been prepping. It will include descriptions, abilities, and certain characteristics of the Vii clan as well as some of the other less familiar techniques." Alpha turns to edit the draft…

Alpha returns, "Well let's hope that makes things simpler to explain. I've actually gotten a request to display the rules of Vii, so I might look into making an abbreviated section in my profile, but for the most part it's a system of understanding where I am in life. Kinda like an experience thermometer."

"Anyway…" Again Alpha looks to either side, "Without further ado, Let's get started!"

CRACK

===Chapter 11===

—Part 1: Trail and Error—

Minato rubbed his face as he debated the overview Ambiance gave him, "Kami almighty." Ambiance, Enigma and Phantom twitches at the turn of phrase, "I figured we were being buttered up for something, but I severely underestimated the Raikage for him to have acted so methodically."

Ambiance took a moment before raising her hand, "If I may Hokage-san?" Her eye twitched when she felt the atmosphere shift, 'Oh cool off. It's not like I'm throwing barbs.'

Minato looked up at her and asked, "Is there something else?"

Ambiance took a deep breath before speaking, "I'm not sure it's wise to take for granted that the Raikage was on board with this decision. The Shinobi I faced tried to off himself the moment his identity was discovered. I'm thinking there was a measure of discontent present within Cloud's chain of command outside of the Raikage's domain. This doesn't have the hallmarks of a kage's pride. Even if he sanctioned the attack, I'm not convinced he would be looking forward to the underhanded approach."

Minato took a moment before asking, "What exactly gave you that impression?"

Ambiance continued slowly, "Kumo is a land of warriors. They thrive on confrontation. If the man I fought truly is a cloud shinobi, he should have fought to keep me silent rather than take his own life. That his identity being revealed broke his morale tells me that he didn't believe he was truly fighting for the Cloud village. The man I saw was most definitely a warrior…but in his stance, I saw the burden of a coward. The Raikage is no coward; so the burden was not from him."

A few minutes passed before Minato sighed, "You mentioned the final attack that disabled him. What exactly do you bear that could bring down a warrior?"

Ambiance sighed, "The technique used, applies a confrontation on a spiritual level. It's a lesser used technique within the Vii that I intend to someday master. I manifest the thirteen cores and they act as a medium for the confrontation."

Minato narrowed his eyes, "I'm not sure I follow. What are these cores?"

Phantom folded his arms, "The seven inner gates; the balancing cores of yin, yang, and their counterpart the line of sight; and finally the major three variants of physical energy: Qi, Chi and Ki. Together they are thirteen gates of the mortal plain…at least the ones we are familiar with."

Minato rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Technique after technique after technique. I fear the day you become shinobi."

Enigma shrugged, "What's in a name? All it means to be a shinobi is that a person can be discreet and professional about it. Doesn't make you any stronger that you get to say 'Look ma! I'm a shinobi now!'. Granted it's a romantic notion, but people are more than the decorations on their tomb stones. We don't need ribbons. We need faith."

Anko pushed her way into the Hokage's office and handed him a folder, "Here's the report you asked for."

Minato looked over the folder before his eyes widened, "The hell is this; the man's autobiography?"

Anko folder her arms and pouted, "The jerk was boring. He sang like a choir. It was almost more challenging to shut him up. You sure he wasn't monk?"

Ambiance smirked, "The pen may be mightier than the sword, but the word of a persons heart makes it look like chicken scratch. There's a reason all three are considered arts."

Anko shrugged, "I don't have to know about art to know he sang. Anything else Hokage-san?"

Minato looked through the packet before groaning, "For the time being I think this will be more than enough to go on. Make sure the ambassador is kept secure. I don't want to hear a fellow politician was assassinated in the night. The situations tedious as it is." He turned to the Vii and spoke sternly, "In the mean time; I need you three to pay a visit to the Yamanaka."

Enigma shrugged, "Fine by me." In his mind however he was getting nervous, 'Yeah. This might raise a few issues.'

As the three made to depart Anko pointed at Ambiance's side, "Whatcha got there sister?"

Ambiance looked at her side and groaned at the two slices of flesh now covered in scales, "Oh. During our last confrontation I was cut in the sides by the ambassador. Do to the effects of the final strike, my Qi repaired damage to my body and my Ki decided to display some of it's intent."

Anko pouted, "So your a snake?"

Ambiance shrugged, "I don't know yet. All I know is that my Ki's target traits of talons and scales."

As the three departed Anko turned to the Yondaime.

Minato sighed, "I'll tell you about it later, but she's not exactly hiding it."

—

The Vii approached the Yamanaka compound as they prepared to face a daunting destiny.

Enigma groaned, "How are we going to make it through this?"

Phantom folded his arms, "We could use the Psyche imbalance technique. It worked against that genjutsu."

Ambiance scoffed, "You two are adorable when your like this. The Yamanaka are used to prying into things locked away. You're beating your heads on a locked hinge. Doors don't open that way. Since when do we conceal our motives?"

The two boys shared a look as they entered one of the offices near the main gates. (P.S: I have no idea how these compounds work.)

As they arrived Inoichi stood from a desk and spoke, "I hear you've gotten into a bit of a scuffle Ambiance Vii."

Ambiance sighed, "Just Ambiance. And with that out of the way; which one?"

Inoichi tapped a pen before his eyes widened, "Ah yes. I'd heard you were the victim of a mob recently."

Phantom folded his arms, "I think you were misinformed. Neither the mob nor Ambiance were victimized that night."

Enigma sighed, "Can we please move on? I believe there's a pending issue to be addressed."

Inoichi shrugged, "Well, the Hokage requested a mild psyche evaluation regarding the events that transpired tonight. Hopefully the trauma of last night hasn't had any after effects."

Ambiance pouted, "Short of an encompassing issue; what exactly are you looking for?"

Inoichi looked at his notes, "Cognitive relapses, irregularities, anything that might impede your development."

Ambiance shrugged, "Fine by me. I like having a natural brain."

Inoichi stepped to a back room where a set of chairs were waiting, "Care to go first?"

Ambiance smirked and cracked her knuckles, noting the slight disturbance it gave the mindwalker, "Well, might as well give you something to think about." She walked over to the chair and sat down, "Don't get lost in there."

Inoichi took a seat and laid his hand on her head.

He looked around and saw very little before a massive structure in the distance drew his gaze. Looking up he gaped as the structure towered over a Kilometer high.

Two rings that intersected on one axis formed a giant curved X. As he stared a number of of dark orbs began to show color before flames leapt out from them. Finally they formed individual entities that towered between one and three times his own height. The yellow one was by far the largest and wore little but tattered rags. The way he moved however showed a length of experience far beyond the others. The seven constructs moved about the chamber as if it was their home.

The one at the highest point remained mostly stationary and glowed with a violet fire. Finally the construct opened their eyes and flew down to the ground on which Inoichi stood.

Once Inoichi noticed the creature approach they shared a look.

Having reached the man the Violet construct spoke, "You seek passage within my domain. What is it you seek from our host?"

Inoichi scratched his head before asking, "Can you guide me to her memory."

The violet spirit seem pensive.

Inoichi found himself in a new chamber. around him a number of images ebed and flowed like leaves being caught in tide pools, but between the memories flowed images of people. Some of them were foreign, but his eyes quickly found an avatar of his own daughter, "What are those people doing here?"

The creature looked at Inoichi without even noting his gestures, "Those represented here are those who have been granted a place in the hosts mind. Each avatar you see present are those our host treasures as kindred spirits and has marked as a point of interest."

Inoichi sighed, "Can you show me the memories of last night?"

The spirit sighed before holding it's palm out. A violet hemisphere appeared in the center of the room. Several lights projected off the walls of the chamber and mixed to produce three shifting images of the night, "These are the memories our host has retained of that night."

Inoichi entered the first memory and tensed when he felt the scene progress. A number of colored ribbons coursing through those present.

The man before her bit down on something.

Suddenly Inoichi staggered as an astonishing KI poured from her. She roared out and the cloud ninja puke. The image distorted as she pounced on him and shouted, "Try that again and I will have you fearing ever using your legs! Who ordered you to die the moment you were discovered!? You would display your village as cowards?!" The image contorted again,"HELL NO! I've been in the leaf for not a full year and no one here would have you waste your life like that! If you weren't proud to do this then make sure as hell the one who gave you that piece of crap knows it!"

The mind walker cringed at the words she used, 'So this is what Haruno's calling the succubi's kiss. If I didn't know any better I'd think she just pulled this man through hell. No wonder she's remarked as a demon.'

He visited the second Memory

Ambiance rolled her head in frustration, "I know that Kumo prides themselves on the arts of combat. I know they are a village that thrives on confrontation. I happen to know that despite his ambitions the Raikage is a proud man who doesn't do things halfway. If he was backing this there'd have been a show of might at some point to show the true strength of Kumogakure. And he'd know DAMN WELL what it would mean to restart the fight with the Uzumaki! What is it you think I'd need to know?!"

The ambassador hesitated. After a moment he snarled like a cornered wolf, "You think you can fight a cloud shinobi!?"

Ambiance smirked, "Now that's more like it. SHOW ME WHAT BEING A CLOUD SHINOBI MEANS TO YOU!"

Inoichi shook himself, "For a kid with poor recollection; She's been mostly on the mark if his interrogations been anything to go by." He moved towards the last memory before the violet spirit stopped him.

The spirit spoke in an even tone, "Be warned. This memory possesses a technique that may very well prematurely purge you from this space. I will attempt to guide you through, but the moment you waver you may be forced back to the mortal plane and the affect could disrupt your chi."

Inoichi nodded, "In that case, may I first ask; What are you?"

The Violet spirit gestured to the chamber, "I am the guardian of the core of wisdom. Spirit path of the crown."

Inoichi turned to the spirit, "What exactly is the core of wisdom that I might recognize it?"

The spirit folded their arms, "You are already here."

Inoichi sighed, "Well, let's get this over with."

The spirit pulled him into the memory.

Ino watched as Ambiance chanted. To his shock he also noticed something that had not been visible within the visible world. As Ambiance listed off the cores; the seven spirits he'd seen appeared before her. Each one forming a core within her arms. As she mentioned the other six gates; two sets of three cores formed at angles to her hands.

As the two leapt at one another ambiance roared and Inoichi felt himself being pushed back from her mind. Finally the technique landed and the seven cores flung forward like a hidden dagger as she passed the man. The cuts on her side healing almost instantly - granted - with scales infused with her skin. By the time she passed, the flaming cores had died down to a dull flame. The ambassador falling to his knees, then hands before speaking, "I can't fight anymore. My chakra control just got shot to hell when we confronted. I don't think I can use a jutsu for weeks after all this."

Ambiance reeled in the cores and Inoichi frowned as he felt himself repelled from the memory.

Standing up from the ground he sighed, "Well that's something to write home about."

The Violet spirit sighed, 'He really has no idea.'

Inoichi pulled himself out of 'Ambiance's' mind scape before he grunted and clutched his stomach, 'Oh hell, that purple thing was right!'

Enigma came over to the man and asked, "Ya'll right? you've been in there for the better half of three hours."

Inoichi groaned, "Well if I known a child to have a preexisting mindscape; I might have been better prepared."

Ambiance looked the man over before sighing, "Well, I'm not waiting for you to suffer chakra exhaustion by the hand of my brother and cousin. Did yo get enough in there?"

Inoichi grabbed a glass of water before answering, "Yes. But care to tell me why your memories are in third person?"

Phantom shrugged, "I haven't the foggiest. It's annoying though. It's like our memories are stored within the actual space they occurred rather than from any one sense. Since the perspective was unique I assume they are stored that way for comparison."

Enigma looked at the man, "Your not about to tell me we're the first people you've screened that do that, are you?"

Inoichi took a moment before groaning, "You kids are exhausting."

Phantom scoffed, "You could have asked and saved us about an hour."

—Part 2: Troubled Waters—

Before retiring for the night, the Vii three headed to the Hyuga compound to assess the situation.

As they approached the gate, one of the guards stood forward, "State your business."

Enigma looked past the guard and noted a slightly elevated patrol pattern, "By the looks of it; the same as you." Turning to the guard, "We're here to see Hiashi about the incident earlier tonight."

The guards shared a look.

(Yes they used the byakugan to do so, but they still used physical cues to communicate. Albeit subtle ones.)

The second flicked his wrist and a third guard came out from one of the way stations.

Ambiance gave a brief shrug, "Well that must come in handy."

—

As they arrived at the head household Hiashi came to the door, "Could this have waited until morning?"

Ambiance frowned, "It could have, but as it may affect our peers; It should not."

Hiashi quickly looked the three over and noticed the fresh tear in the girls armor. He nodded curtly before showing them inside.

In one of the gathering rooms Hitomi was seen holding Hinata while Hanabi swung her legs in worry.

Hiashi spoke in a rather subdued voice, "The Vii have come to see their peer."

Hitomi looked up at the three as they entered the room and asked, "Can you give us a moment?"

—

As Hinata began to settle down she sat up to look at the Vii.

Hitomi glanced at Hiashi and nodded.

The man signaled the Vii to take a seat. After they settled in he asked, "I am of the impression that you might know what transpired last night. How was it that you became involved?"

Phantom sighed, "A conflicted individual would not be sprinting towards the Hyuga compound in the late hours of the night without an ongoing crisis. Enigma had received word that foreign shinobi were present within the village. That the man's Ki was not one we'd acclimated to here, put us on alert. Ambiance took it upon herself to ensure our comrades were not in danger. We followed. As we arrived we located the Ki field with our fuin-doujutsu making abnormal passes through the building. Once we were made aware of his target we moved to intercept."

Enigma placed his hands behind his head and added, "We reached the man at one one of the compound walls and managed to separate him from our peer. Phantom and I returned Hinata here and returned to the location where Ambiance was attempting to wear the man down."

Ambiance sighed as she rekindled the fire from the previous night, "Using one of our clans more esoteric techniques I managed to provoke his chakra and temporarily disrupt his control." Reaching to her side she felt her new scales and sighed, "My Quintessence repaired the sword strikes left by the man and activated some of the newer attributes of my Ki."

Hitomi glanced at the wounds before bringing a hand to her mouth, "He did that to you?!" (Granted speech wise I'm getting the impression that Hitomi's general speech is rather quiet, and these shouts are more like a raised whisper inversely volumed to the level of severity.)

Ambiance raised her hands, "Oh no. This one's on me. Quintessence is a powerful energy. Among people like the Vii who are more prone to evolutionary attribution, it can have rather strange side effects if the body is provoked. |Excess relocated|" {Did you just audit spoken lines?}

A.N: Alpha sighs, "Not audit. When you see |…| it means that a piece of context was relocated to another location within these notes. Let's just say Ambiance's lines got a little too articulate for the sensitivity of the current scene." {So you'll post them later} Alpha shrugs, "Depends if people find the additional context important/interesting." Alpha checks 'To do list for fanfic:'… …Alpha returns. {With a rather interesting look I might add} Alpha pouts, "Oh shut up! I'd forgotten how much background I'd stuffed in there!" Alpha turns to the Fanfic audience, "Yeah no, I'm adding these to my profile page. If nothing else they make for an interesting read. Who knows, maybe someone will take an interest in an upcoming scene."

After a moment Hiashi asked, "What was your motive for keeping this from us?"

Enigma sighed, "A number of red flags went up that made the issue rather complicated. First of all, your instincts as a parent were still clouding your judgement. Second was the issue of the man's identity. Had you acted any less than professional there may have been an international incident in the aftermath. Between these two issues Ambiance determined our generation would have been safer in the hands of the Hokage and the T&I division than any specific individual."

Hiashi took a moment before asking, "Pray tell, why have reparations not been taken?"

Ambiance sighed, "The cloud shinobi responsible for both the treaty and tonights incident was dishonored by his mission. After separating him from Hinata his first instinct was not to pursue the mission but terminate his role in it. After averting that option and testing his mettle, I managed to establish that while his honor belonged with the cloud…" She turned to phantom for verification.

The boy sighed, "His mission did not retain that honor. The one who wronged you was not in fact the shinobi who soiled his hands, nor did the mission bear the marks of the Raikage's support. At this point the ambassador is one of few links to those who targeted your family. The hope is that he can prevent such threats from being used against the Hyuga or any other clan in the future. Slandering him now would weaken his credibility. That the leaf would see him as an ally would draw those who used him to call him a traitor. In doing so the Raikage and Hokage can together root out those that would support such underhanded tactics and purge the issues from affecting the chain of command." 'Blocklisting for those who assume I'm about to pull a Yagura on you. Not all 'walls' are made with concrete and rebar.'

Hitomi listened to the girl before looking at her two daughters. Hanabi was halfway to nodding off, and Hinata was curled up against Hitomi's side.

Hiashi held a rather large impression - given his typical measure of reactivity - before asking, "Does your clan train in foresight?"

Phantom sighed, "It's a natural blessing and curse."

Hitomi, still looking over her daughters, asked, "I'm not seeing what you find a curse."

Ambiance shrugged, "Perform above average in a lesser known art and people start looking at you funny."

Hitomi nodded, "I see. So the reaction of miss Haruno was no surprise to you?"

Enigma tilted his head back before leaning forward forward (Not unlike Shikamaru.), "I'd say the surprise was from how quickly she mobilized; from being supporting to paranoid. Granted, paranoia in this case was not unwarranted. We just anticipated that she'd wait for suspicions to accumulate first. As long as we don't interrupt her process, the dousing rod will eventually find the source of water."

Hiashi seemed reorient in his chair while Hitomi gave a victorious smile.

Ambiance poked her nose before gesturing at the two, "De-ja-vu; We saw you too!"

A.N: Alpha chuckles, "Man I'm enjoying this way more than I'm supposed to!"

Enigma coughed, "Anyway, can we assess you have a grasp of the current political situation before we get too sidetracked?"

Hiashi nodded, notable more comfortable with the new direction, "Ah yes. Based on the testament you gave us, the shinobi responsible was handed to T&I. Is it safe to assume you left a report with the Hokage?"

Ambiance gave Hitomi a brief wink as the conversation deviated. The woman gave a thankful smile that slowly grew a tad devious.

Enigma nodded, "We did. It was about the same time we finished that 'Anko' dropped off a packet from T&I."

Hiashi tensed, "Within the span of a debriefing?"

Ambiance smirked, "Told ya he wasn't proud of his mission. According to Anko; 'He sang'. Considering the way she said it; not the way she'd have liked."

Hiashi took a moment before asking, "So he was stalling for time?"

Phantom shrugged, "I was under the impression she enjoyed being sadistic. I imagine she'd have tormented him if he'd been insincere."

Ambiance shrugged, "Most boring thing for a sadist is either an open book or an emotionally polarized individual. Having seen him fight; it would not have been the latter as the emotionally polarized can't properly emulate emotions. (Sai for example; got too close to the neutron sun, and was thusly burned.) Therefore: Either he was an open book, Anko is not as sadistic as we inclined lead to believe, or Anko was rendered unnecessary for the interrogation. Having seen Anko angry; I'd think her employer smarter than to employ the latter assumption, and there was no visible aftermath of such an outcome."

Hitomi chuckled, "Heaven knows we wouldn't argue the second option."

Enigma shrugged and tilted his head to either side like a scale, "That and the packet of intel she handed the Hokage."

Hiashi sighed, "Well there you go."

Ambiance winked at Hitomi again and spoke, "With that out of the way: Did you happen to hear about the fireball Sasuke made?"

Hiashi cocked his head (Think nanometer margin), "I recall hearing Fugaku mention a technique that caused a bit of stir."

Enigma managed to contain his laughter behind an enhanced chuckle, "I think that was his bruised ego talking. One story about a wildfire and Sasuke pumped out a fireball that birthed a dragon. That serpent made the fire dragon jutsu look like a crude spit-take!"

A.N: Alpha laughs, "Man, I'm half tempted to turn that into a prop comedy!"

Hiashi liberally cocked his head back.

Hitomi chuckled before breaking out into soft laugh, "Oh, to have seen the look on that man's face. I'd have paid admission for the whole family."

Enigma laughed, "Well as the witness… …I'd have to say Hiashi's… …doing a pretty good impression!"

Hitomi looked at her husband before breaking into silent laughter. Minutes passed before she chuckled out, "I can just imagine."

Ambiance walked over to the man, "If I were to ask your wife about collaborating on taijutsu; I can assume you told her, right?"

Hiashi quickly groaned, before slowly shaking his head, 'And here I was thinking I held the advantage in our game.' "Well played. Very well played."

Ambiance smirked, "Never underestimate the power of a kunoichi."

A.N: Alpha raises his hands, "I hope this solidifies my stance as an impartial. I may be 'only' human, but that does not mean I'm blind to the intent of genetics. Mother Nature may show favoritism, but - like Karma, Space, and Father Time - stereotypes do not affect her priorities."

—Part 3: Blind Eye Awakening—

After finishing with the training within the 'Forest of memories' Ambiance made her way to the Hyuga compound. After Hiashi revealed that he was considering allowing the Vii to collaborate on the gentle fist, all hope of prevention was lost. Hitomi was having no part of the political repercussion. One particular comment regarding the clan council even referred to; 'shove it'. At that point the verbal battle became decisive.

To Hiashi's credit, he managed to impart a few conditions to the agreement before Hitomi finished organizing their meetings. A number of which involved leaving a decent impression on the council of elders.

As she reached the Hyuga compound, Ambiance noted Enigma and Phantom waiting at the gates. Folding her arms, she asked, "Well I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

Enigma shrugged, "Not at all. I'm not sure about the guards though. You missed the guard shift, so you might have been a split second late."

Ambiance chuckled before signaling the gatehouse.

One of the guards came forward to escort the Vii to the grounds Hitomi had set aside.

—

As they entered the grounds Ambiance quickly noted three natural springs around the singular training ground, "Did I miss the point where Hitomi already had these grounds set aside for elemental training?"

The guard seemed to slow for two strides before asking, "What gave you that idea?"

Ambiance shrugged, "Just felt overly convenient."

As the group reached the clearing where Hitomi, Hiashi, Hinata and Hanabi (I can not express enough how utterly mortifying that was to write. With every character my mental pattern breaker screamed in agony.) were waiting, Hitomi picked up a small scroll and placed it on a small picnic table.

Enigma sat down almost right away.

Phantom seemed to call on the mighty blessings of 'muscle memory' to navigate the treacherous territory of a political table.

Ambiance went through physical stretches before plopping down like a polar plunge.

A.N: Alpha chuckles, "The weirdest part is that I sympathize will all three of them." Alpha narrows his eyes before groaning, "Ah crud. These guys are quickly burning through my 'alliteration' budget. This is what happens when we screw a core function like the pattern breaker."

Hitomi chuckled at the grade of diversity she'd witnessed in a split second. Gesturing to the scroll she spoke, "This is a variant of the gentle fist that I've dubbed the gentle step."

Ambiance tapped her chin before closing her eyes, "Earth draws strength from an adamance. Water draws strength from adaptation. Fire draws strength from conviction. Wind draws strength from perseverance."

Hitomi looked up at the girl and asked, "Would you care to elaborate?"

Enigma placed a hand to his mouth, "What for hath you don?

Ambiance cracked her knuckles - to Hiashi's horror - and stood up before taking a stance in the middle of the clearing.

Phantom groaned, "No really: why?"

Ambiance stomped one of her feet after a wide arc. A cylinder of earth flew up like a cork before Ambiance landed a solid punch to it. The rock found itself intimately related with a tree before Ambiance shook herself loose. She faced the tree before clapping her hands. A distortion of wind later and a branch from the victimized tree sailed a good three feet before sliding into a neighboring trunk…and sticking there like a native.

Phantom pulled out a notepad and commented, "Accidental transplant: Check."

Enigma looked at the boy weirdly, "Mind if I take a look?"

Phantom handed Enigma the pad.

Enigma took one look before covering his burning eyes, "Oh Kami I'm scarred for life! Who makes a bucket list this articulate!?"

Phantom chuckled, "Someone planning a full life."

Ambiance rolled her shoulders before hesitating, "Hey Phantom?"

Phantom shrugged with a still present smile, "Yeah?"

Ambiance pouted, "What's my current affinity ratio?"

Phantom took the list from a still smoking Enigma, "That's what you get Icarus." (By now you've probably already found the reference.) He flipped a few pages and checked a chart, "Water; primary. Earth and Wind close enough to fuse at a secondary. Trace element of Fire."

~Binary scene: A~

Hitomi shrugged, "All she's missing is lightning."

Phantom flipped to another page before flipping back, "Yeah, no. Ambiance would need a miracle for that. But on the subject; Jade's actually a good fit."

Hiashi turned to the boy, "Jade?"

Enigma shrugged, "Binary of earth and wind. What's scarier is that if she honed it, Ambiance could produce a fusion of jade and water."

Phantom tensed, "Don't joke about that. Ice is already scary enough. No need to poke that bear."

~Binary scene: B~

Ambiance rolled her shoulders as Phantom mentioned her affinity, "I'm worried about that." Ambiance flowed through a fluid stance before settling into a stance with her hands locked.

Hitomi looked up and noted that some of the spring water flowed into a ball behind and to the right of the girl.

Ambiance began to hum as the orb of water began to ripple. At one point the humming began to reverberate through the air. (Scene overlay) The water began to tremble and swell before the vibrations produced a kind of roar that was foreign in the mouth of animals. The orb of water shot a narrow stream like a railgun and the water punched through the rock for a number of seconds before the stone crumbled into dust at the sheer energy forced into it. Meanwhile the next thirteen trees were punched through like a metal-grade engraver through plywood; The trees sequentially humming from the subtle frequency from the aquatic laser.

As the technique finally began to deescalate, Ambiance seemed to stagger, "Darn it! My Qi control must have degraded when my chakra coils awakened. I used up way more energy in that technique than I should have."

Enigma shrugged, "Why'd you stop using physical moulding half way through?"

Ambiance turned to Enigma with a disguised scowl and placed her hands on her hips, "Because my Qi control was degrading faster than normal. Why the hell are chakra coils so greedy?"

Phantom scoffed, "Considering you practice tree walking and water walking with stilts; I think the challenge may be a welcome commodity."

Hiashi seemed distant for a moment, 'How does one…' "How exactly does one walk up surfaces they are not in direct contact with?"

Enigma tilted his head, "Well you can do it wearing shoes. Basically Ambiance is trying to accommodate more adverse scenarios to improve her ability to adapt her chakra."

Ambiance sat down and looked over the technique Hitomi had been working on.

Phantom having gotten a head start began to notice a sort of pattern, "Comparing this to the the brief session we witnessed about a while back, I've noticed that the gentle fist and gentle step variation do not so much rely on the users hands as much as their wrists. Other than using the hands as guiding points, I don't quite understand why you would use this continuously."

Hiashi looked at the boy and asked, "Is it of consequence to the technique?"

Ambiance seemed to weigh a few things before shrugging, "It's a matter of perspective. Using the wrist as an applicator provides a measure of unyielding force as well as the chakra stored in the hands, but that would be better suited to attacking one tenketsu at a time with a measured amount of chakra."

Enigma pouted, "It's more precise that way, but it's relatively slow. It would require a large number of strikes to be discharged before a controlled effect could be produced."

Hitomi decided to refocus their efforts, "I've attempted to adapt the gentle fist to be more flowing. Using less rigid movements in favor of flexibility."

Hiashi looked over the style before looking to Hitomi, "The technique lacks a delivery method. Without a measure of force the technique has little to no effect on the chakra network."

Hitomi folded her arms before countering, "It's a start. The chakra delivery will take time to develop. Given time and patience…"

Ambiance sighed before signaling Hinata, "Well, I'm going to stretch my legs. I'm not exactly the best source of tact anyway."

Hiashi noted the girl transitioning before continuing to address the situation with his wife.

—

Ambiance and Hinata stepped to smaller clearing before the former turned to the latter, "Alright Hinata. Time to loosen up."

Hinata looked towards the group before asking, "D-Do you really think I can get better at the gentle fist?"

Ambiance nodded, "Yeah, but it's not about thinking. It's about feeling. You know better than anyone why the gentle fist feels weird. You also know how the gentle fist is supposed to feel. I'm gonna show you how I'd use the katas for the gentle fist. I've got a bit of earth affinity, but like you, I favor water. Tell me when my stance gets awkward and I'll try to fix it my way. Once it feels enough like the gentle fist, we'll have you give it a try."

Hinata nodded briefly before walking over to one of the training stumps. She attempted a juken strike and landed a hit on the stump.

Ambiance gave a sideways look at one of the stumps, 'How do I not obliterate this dummy?'

A.N: Alpha opens a black and yellow book titled 'nerfing for dummies'.

After a few moments of deliberation Ambiance placed a hand on the stump and a few black lines flew over it. Seeing the markings set brought her arms about before turning her torso and slamming her palm into the stump.

Hinata watched for a moment before pointing out an issue with Ambiances footing.

Ambiance tried again and this time adjusted her footing as she moved.

Hinata spoke nervously, "The strike was too slow."

—Thirty minutes later—

The two had been at it for a number of hours, switching roles every now and then.

At one point they ran into a bit of an issue. The more fluid the stance, the less power was transferred.

Ambiance frowned before sighing, "Alright, this is becoming tedious. Try pressing the balls of your palm into the strike. It might give you an extra moment of pressure."

Hinata gave it a try, but there wasn't much effect.

Ambiance pouted, "You're still applying chakra to the strike correct?"

Hinata nodded before giving a saddened sigh, "Thank you for doing this Ambiance. I just don't think I'm good enough."

Ambiance frowned, "What do you mean good? That's one of the most basic assessments I've ever heard. If you were already good at this then I wouldn't have been as impressed that you have been trying so hard. Your offense might not be at it's best, but your stamina is most definitely improving. We'll work on fighting when you've got something to work with. Right now, just focus on transferring the technique into a target."

Hinata gave a small smile before taking a stance she felt comfortable with. Focusing chakra into her palm she struck the stump. Withdrawing her hand from the stump she revealed a peculiar marking on the stump.

Ambiance's eyes narrowed, 'That's practically the opposite extreme of the rasengan. Instead of carving gouges she's drilling a hole.' "As small as that is, I'm actually thinking that's more damaging than…the." Squinting at the hole Ambiance frowned, 'Wait a second. If it's the other extreme…' Ambiance walked around the stump before her eyes widened, "OH!"

Hinata looked toward the girl and asked, "What is it?"

Ambiance gave an embarrassed frown, "Eh he. I think I forgot about placing a seal on this stump when we started."

Hinata tilted her head slightly, "A seal?"

Ambiance gestured to the girl, "You might want to stand back."

As Hinata gained some distance Ambiance withdrew the seal from the log.

Before the seal was even finished separating from the stump, the log gave a brief croak and the top crumpled into gnarled chunks of wood fiber.

Hinata covered her mouth in surprise.

Ambiance moaned pathetically, "Do me a favor and never ever juken me in a sparring match."

Hinata nodded nervously, "I hope father doesn't get too mad at us for ruining training equipment."

Ambiance sighed before shrugging, "All things considering; It was for a good cause." She gathered some of the wooden 'hairballs' and wrapped them in a mat she'd woven while training the others in the forest. Turning to Hinata, Ambiance smiled warmly, "Come on. Let's go impress your father."

—

Hiashi and Phantom had begun comparing notes on taijutsu's and some of the physical advantages of different approaches to techniques. (Marble and Jade have a chat. Not sure this would have been the most riveting conversation.)

Hitomi and Enigma began comparing techniques that shared similar properties to the gentle fist.

The group turned to see Ambiance and Hinata return to the clearing. The former with a satisfied grin. The latter testing her PH levels via finger poking.

As they sat down at the table, Enigma asked in a very Tobi like voice, "So how'd it go?"

Hinata seemed to sink into her shell.

Ambiance unfolded a mat and the mutilated excuses for chestnuts tumbled onto the table, "These used to be a training stump. I think Hinata managed to improvise that delivery method you were looking for." Ambiance tapped her chin for a moment before she turned to the Hyuga heiress, "Care to spar with one of my clones?"

Hinata look up at Ambiance before poking her fingers, "W-Well, I…I'll-l try."

Ambiance smiled, "Thank you, Hinata-san." Ambiance stood up, lifted one arm skyward, the other to her left and called, "Shadow clone jutsu."

The parents shared a look as a second Ambiance appeared. Hiashi turned back to her and asked, "How did you come to know a forbidden technique?"

Ambiance pouted, "That can wait for a more formal situation. Let's just say the technique was more compatible with the Vii than we expected."

Ambiance signaled Hinata over, "Alright Hinata. When you feel ready, give me what you've got."

Ambiance frowned, "Aren't you forgetting something."

Ambiance palmed her head, "Oh yeah. Hang on a second." The clone sat down in a lotus position for a few minutes.

Hitomi tilted her head, "Wont the clone be dispelled by the strike?"

Enigma sighed, "Typically that would be the case. Yang is a beautiful thing. It can provide vitality within the tail, and life force from within the shadow of light."

The clones eyebrow twitched before she stood up. Taking a wide open stance she spoke to Hinata, "Ready."

Phantom whispered to those behind him, "Aren't you going to use your eyes? Ambiance is investing a lot of chakra into this technique."

Hiashi silently activated his Byakugan. To his initial surprise, the chakra network he hadn't seen all those months ago was now active.

Hitomi activated her eyes soon after.

Hinata leapt forward and thrust a palm strike into one of the clone's arms. She noted the clone wince and hesitated.

Ambiance's clone smiled warmly despite the pain, "Don't let me stop you. The sooner you finish, the sooner your opponent can recover."

Hinata nodded with a new level of conviction before landing four more strikes to each of Ambiance's arms. Looking towards her friend she asked, "Are you sure you're okay?"

The clone sat down as her arms began to feel heavy, "Since this pain means progress; I consider it an honor."

Ambiance turned to Hiashi and noted his Byakugan active. Turning to her clone she smiled, "Thanks sister. Go ahead and get some rest."

The clone nodded and dispelled.

Ambiance froze when a foreign feeling entered her body, 'Well that's interesting. My yang core just spiked.' Shrugging it off she loosened her arms a bit, "Alright. I think We've made enough progress for today. I'm looking to hone my chakra cores before sundown. Same time next week?"

Phantom frowned, "Granted, Only Enigma and I will be available that week. Ambiance is hosting a training camp for some of our peers and intends to go a few days without leaving the camp."

Ambiance shrugged, "Best place for a survival exercise. Rules are: You only get to bring one kunai knife for the exercise; No outside help during the exercise unless there's an emergency; And at least one functional camp for every two people. Granted, some of our friends are already practicing making basic tools, so we technically have a head start."

Hinata looked at her father and asked, "Can I go?"

Hiashi weighed the request.

Hitomi asked, "Two things: Where; and can she bring an escort?"

Ambiance frowned but remained somewhat pensive, "We're meeting in one of the less maintained forests in the center of Konoha. I left a trail of engraved bark to navigate to the general location." Ambiance folded her arms before continuing, "Especially with the recent issue; I respect the decision to send an escort…" She raised a hand with two fingers raised, "…But I have a few ground rules: they will only intervene if an external issue arises or Hinata ends up in some kind serious of danger. Secondly; absolutely no favoritism. The last thing I want is someone pitying my friends for something they are adequately capable of dealing with."

Hitomi looked to Hiashi. Hiashi sighed, "We accept your terms; but expect word of progress on a daily basis."

Hinata quickly hugged her mother and cried out, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

===Chapter 11 End===

POOF ('Esoteric clone jutsu' complete!)

—

Alpha folds his hands behind his head {If you haven't figured it out yet; this is symbolism}, "After a bit of deliberation; I have decided to give a transitional chapter a shot. This is a new technique of writing for me, but given the ongoing tedium, it's probably for the better. I've been torn between cutting to the academy years, and going for an extremely long term character development. The compromise I've come up with is this:"

To prevent excessive confusion from flashbacks, and to prevent them from getting out of hand; The plan is to create a timeline utilizing the 'Forest of Memories' as a central pillar.

Using that; flashbacks utilized later on will use the forest timeline as a starting/anchor point and branch out. This is actually a technique I've used to store memories as well, so it has the potential to become a very powerful style…Assuming I can actually use it in written form.

Alpha sighs, "Also; I just remembered that the 'forest of memories' concept was actually utilized in canon. I mentioned this before, but I'm not inventing these plot devices. I refer to these properties as lore stones due to their permeation throughout history. Odds are the true origin of these writing techniques wasn't even credited for doing so. One of the things I admire about Kishimoto is how many of these properties he could instill for so much time. The Narutoverse progressed at a rate that felt natural and yet the lore was incredibly potent. For that I am grateful that writers within these communities are granted permission to develop their skills under the guidance of such authors. For the the passion of our community:"

THANK YOU

And with that I bring you…

Disclaimer:

"I hold no relation to the original content of the Narutoverse or any other series/oneshots. The OC's present are based on the fundamentals of poetic and philosophical perspectives so as much as they are SI's they are not original and will use techniques inspired and derived from alternative sources. In reality I do not own this account. That right goes to the moderators loaning me a spot in the internet. As such the content below is not protected by property rights and can be shut down if it infringes on that. Please don't sponsor any content presented in this or any hosted stories."

Alpha smiles, "Well (assuming my internal clock starts ticking again) now I can sleep easy tonight. Alright Enigma. Go ahead and clone the notes."

(*Forms the seven pointed hand sign* "Esoteric clone jutsu!")