When Worlds Collide
Chapter 12: Assisted Launch
Welcome back! This will be the first chapter that takes place alongside the show. It is a little bit shorter than the last two, as I didn't have as much time as I usually do to stretch them out. Sorry, but blame the stupid DMV taking forever. Anyways, onto some reviews!
SandSasori: Not a huge fan of how the story turned. I like it better when it was really dark. Kai being a child assassin, another clansmen betraying them and stealing the sacred weapons… and then we get happy go lucky family bonding with the Uchihas and having fun with rookie 12. :/
I totally understand the sentiment. I always planned on this story being a bit darker than the rest, and that is still the plan. However, now is a bit of a lighter time in Kai's life. As such, the chapters during this period are going to be less of the dark, death fueled chapters we had beforehand. But rest assured, that will be making a return. Also, be careful what you wish for, because you have justified my plans for the Chunin Exam, and you might be biting off more than you can chew with that one.
Villaverdek6: Sakura on team 7 please. Hinata's perfect for team 8 since their team's main purpose is tracking. Can't break the dynamics of Ino-Shika-Cho since on my opinion, they have the greatest teamwork among the teams. And I don't want Kai on the team since I'm sick and tired of seeing OC/SI being put on team seven and also sick and tired of reading the same canon plot with the Land of waves and all that.
Yea, I gotcha. Is it wrong of me to say I wasn't looking forward to writing for Land of Waves? But seriously, I completely understand where you're coming from with this. I too feel like the fanfiction scene is oversaturated by OC's being on Team 7 and basically just copying the show. Hence me adding and changing stuff in this one. But your vote has been cast, and I hope to see you next week.
Shadowfire01: while seeing Kai struggle with the bell test would be entertaining, I'd much rather see Hinata grow and become visibly stronger earlier on in the series. my vote is for Hinata on team seven. the POV change was interesting, but not my favorite. I have really come to appreciate the 3rd person POV so I'd like to see only that, please.
So, I think you meant to say 1st person POV, cause that's what I use, but if you meant third person let me know. Also, if you really just want to see Hinata get stronger early on, I can do that no problem. The beauty of having this fic be semicanon is I can mess with whatever I can think of. Don't like how a character is written? Rewrite em! Don't like a certain jutsu? Change it! For now, I will count your vote to put Hinata in Team 7, but I can change that if you want. Don't worry, I'll make her get stronger no matter what, because you've been a pretty vocal person in the reviews and I appreciate that.
111segasonic: I think it would be pretty interesting to have Kai on Team seven.
I agree, hence me putting him on there, but like I said earlier this wouldn't be my first pick. However, I don't want everything to be decided purely by me, hence these votes in the first place. Imma use this to reiterate, PLEASE SUBMIT ANY IDEAS YOU HAVE FOR CHANGES. Seriously, I want to hear your opinion. I'll count your vote towards Kai being in Team 7.
All that said and done, let's get on with the story.
It was a calm Thursday night, a warm breeze going through the cherry blossom trees that surrounded my small house. I was sat upon my sofa, sipping on a nice glass of apple juice. Tomorrow was the day we became Shinobi. The day after that we would be assigned teams and begin our career of choice. I was chilling out, waiting for my guest to arrive so I could get this next conversation over with and go to bed.
Almost as if on cue, the sound of a quick knock on my door permeated the silence of the night. Opening it revealed the sight of Itachi in his pajamas, a pair of black cotton pants and a white shirt. "What is it you wanted to talk about?" He asked as I led him to the living area.
Once we were seated in the two chairs, I began to answer his question with one of my own. "I just wanted to know whether or not you could influence who becomes a Shinobi or not."
"Kai, if you are worried about the exam tomorrow, you are being idiotic. You have the two required jutsu mastered, and your ninja skills are quite sharp, even for a genin." He went on, trying to soothe my nonexistent anxiety.
"It's not for me." I replied seriously. "This is something that involves my past."
"Oh." Itachi said, his eyes widening slightly for a moment. "Well, technically I cannot promote Academy students to Genin level. That being said, I can submit a report and a recommendation, and if the Hokage accepts it, whoever the prospect is will be placed in whatever rank best suits them. Who is it that you are so worried about?"
"Naruto." I explained. "He cannot manage to make a proper clone. He has the henge mastered, more even than me or Sasuke. But it is likely that tomorrow night he will be involved in something that should prove his ability as a Shinobi easily."
"Give me a quick rundown of what this event might entail," Itachi said, intrigued. "I should be able to tell you if it will be enough or not."
"Well, there is a likely possibility that he will be tricked by a Chunin into stealing a restricted scroll. From that scroll he could potentially master an alternate version of the clone jutsu, one that he would then use when the Chunin attempts to kill him."
"Stealing a restricted scroll is more than enough to show adequate skills in stealth and tact." Itachi said. "If he is able to master a restricted jutsu in one night, and take out a Chunin level opponent on his own with said clone jutsu alone, then he should be placed as a Chunin, not a Genin."
"That's the thing, the Chunin is injured from a battle I fear won't happen." I explained to him. "In the original, he is saved by Iruka, but he isn't showing as much care for Naruto this time around."
"So what's your plan?"
"I'm going to follow Naruto into the forest and keep watch while he trains." I said. "When our Chunin friend makes an appearance, I'll jump in to assist Naruto."
"A good plan, but how will you explain your appearance?"
"I hadn't thought of that. I can always swipe something of his and use that as a reason I went looking for him."
"Sounds good." Said Itachi. "Where do I come in?"
"You get the easy part." I said. "Watch and write a report to deliver to the Hokage. If he says Naruto can be a Genin, then you can come and meet us at Ichiraku."
"Got it." Itachi said. "I'll say I came to the forest because you weren't home for dinner. That way he won't question my involvement."
"Thanks, Itachi. It may not seem like it, but this is highly important."
"You're welcome. If that is all, I will see myself out."
"See you later."
Watching Naruto piece together how a jutsu works was surprisingly entertaining. He learns in a way that is so much different from everyone else. I had been sitting in a tree, mindlessly spinning a toy shuriken Naruto "left at his desk", for what felt like only a few minutes, but in actuality had been hours. When he finally started consistently creating Shadow Clones, it was well after sunset. As I was about to call it quits, our resident Chunin showed up.
"Hey kid!" Mizuki called out to Naruto. He was in full battle gear, with a number of storage scrolls on his belt. He looked like he was about to head off for a long journey, one that I remembered was supposed to give away the Scroll of Seals to Orochimaru.
"Hey, Mizuki!" Naruto beamed. He held up the large scroll to show Mizuki. "I did what you said and learned one of the jutsu's on here! Does that mean I pass?"
"Sure, just hand me the scroll." He said, looking around to make sure no one was around. Luckily he didn't spot me, as I now rested atop a branch directly above the two, that way I could hide the shine of my Leaf headband on my forehead.
"Are you going to put it back?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah, whatever, just hand it here." Mizuki stated, clearly in a hurry. Naruto sensed this, as he placed the scroll protectively behind him.
"What's going on Mizuki? Where's my headband?"
"You don't get it, do you. Hand me the scroll!" Mizuki shouted, grabbing for Naruto. making my move, I dropped from the branch. Launching a quick kick to Mizuki's chest, I sent him sliding back. Dropping to quick crouch in front of Naruto, I drew my wakizashi and pointed the sharp edge towards Mizuki.
"For the sake of the village, I command you to stop, Mizuki."
"Kai? What're you doing here?!" Naruto said, surprised.
"Not important. Stay focused, he will be a tough opponent should things turn physical."
"The kid's right." Mizuki laughed, brushing himself off. "You made a big mistake. Now you'll die!" He charged, kunai drawn and aimed at my jugular. Blocking it with my wakizashi, I rolled him to the side.
"Naruto, get the scroll out of here!" I shouted. A moment later I heard him jump off, leaving me with a very pissed off Chunin.
"You should have just stayed out of it, kid." He said menacingly. "Now you'll pay with your life. I am a Chunin level Shinobi, what chance do you, a fresh Genin, stand against the likes of me?"
"A freshly trained Genin stands no chance." I admitted. "But you forget, I am a Shimada, and I am not alone. I'm paired with the future Hokage of the Leaf Village."
"BELIEVE IT!" Naruto shouted as he drop kicked Mizuki square in the back. The kick pushed him into me, where I began leaving slashes along his body with a flurry of attacks. Mizuki roared, kicking me away. He uppercutted Naruto, knocking him against the base of a tree. He turned back to me, and began beating on me relentlessly. It was all I could do to avoid as many blows as I could, having to roll with many of them. Mizuki was scoring a number of small cuts along my arms and torso, but not enough to cause serious harm. I would need som new clothes though. After what felt like ages, I saw an opening. I sent a quick kick to Mizuki's stomach, using him as a kickoff point to break out of his combo. Landing from a backflip, I flashed a few quick hand seals before ending in the Shimada hand seal.
"Dragon Release: Weapon Posession." I announced. Murasa swirled around, roaring. My tattoos and eyes both began glowing, giving a sinister look in the dark forest. Using the intimidation and speed boost to my advantage, I charged back in, going on the offensive. Mizuki was caught of guard by the sudden change in tactics, as he had to go onto the defensive. I sent many spinning slashes and quick kicks, but none were connecting. I slipped up when I put extra weight behind a horizontal slash, and the Chunin capitalized, sending a kick that launched me into a tree, knocking out my wind. Mizuki moved in for the kill, practically snarling.
Before he could get to me, Naruto jumped in. "Don't hurt him! Shadow Clone Jutsu!" 20 Narutos appeared, surrounding Mizuki. They all launched at him, pummeling the Chunin to the ground. Mizuki's screams were muffled by the sheer number of blonde's around him. When Naruto dispelled the jutsu, the man was unconscious on the ground. I got up, wincing from the pain, and made my way over to Naruto.
"Nice job, dude." I said, exhausted. "You really saved me there."
"It was nothing really," Naruto laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "it was the least I could do, you really saved me back there as well!"
"That I did." I laughed. "Where's the scroll?"
"Good question Kai." Itachi said, materializing behind me. "A better one is why you just beat up a Shinobi of the Leaf?"
"Well," I started, catching on t what Itachi was trying to do. "I came because Naruto left his shuriken at his desk. When I got here, Mizuki was trying to get Naruto to give him some sort of scroll, clearly with malintent, so I intervened. What exactly is that scroll, Naruto?"
"I d-don't know." He stammered out. Shaking off the fear, he continued. "Mizuki told me if I could sneak into the Hokage's house and take the scroll, then learn one of the jutsu on it, I could be a ninja. It had some seals on it, but there were only a few jutsu."
"Sounds like the Scroll of Seals." Itachi hummed. "I better get it, as well as my report to the Hokage. Where is the scroll Naruto?" Naruto pointed to a tree, earning a nod from the Uchiha. "Alright. You boys get on out of here. And Kai, next time let me know if you'll be late to dinner, ok?"
"Sure thing." I said with a wink. His nod told me everything that needed to be said. Good job. "Let's go to Ichiraku, my treat."
"ALRIGHT!"
Naruto slurped down a quick two bowls of beef ramen, before stopping, suddenly somber. "I'm not gonna be a ninja, am I?"
"I'm sure you will." I said, still on my first bowl. "You'll just have to wait another year and take the test again."
"But then I won't be on a team with you guys. I'll be the loser that has to join the year below us." He said, almost in tears.
"Cheer up, Naruto." Itachi said as he pushed through the curtains of the Ramen stand. "Teams are absolved at Chunin level, anyway. Unless a team works particularly well together, you can be mixed around with other teams or even take on missions by yourself."
"But that's still so far away…"
"Not exactly." Itachi announced. "I have some good news. After reading my report of the situation, Lord Third has come to a conclusion. Stealing the Scroll of Seals from the Hokage's mansion is a great show of ninja skills. You and another Genin were able to take down a Chunin level foe, showing great combat skills. You were also able to learn a high rank cloning jutsu in one night, overshadowing your lack of ability with the Clone Jutsu. On behalf of Lord Sarutobi, I welcome you into the Genin corp." Itachi handed Naruto a blue headband with the Leaf symbol on it. "You are to report to the classroom with your teammates tomorrow for team assignment. Understand?"
"Yes!" Naruto shouted. "Ha HA, I'm going to be a ninja!"
"Way to go, man!" I congratulated him. "You earned it."
"Thanks Kai!" Naruto beamed. We ended the night happily slurping away at noodles, chatting about our dreams of being Shinobi. We made a pact that day, when Naruto becomes Hokage he would make me one of his personal guards. In the event I would be Hokage, Naruto would also be a personal guard and advisor. Eventually we parted ways, heading home for the night, hoping to get some sleep before tomorrow.
So begins the official timeline. Naruto becomes a ninja, Iruka is nowhere to be seen, and Mizuki is locked away. Now we begin Kai's journey as a Shinobi. The vote for Team 7 is still open, so if you haven't voted yet, now's your last chance! The options are: Tenten, Kai, Ino, Sakura, or Hinata. Let me know what you think, and I will see you next week.
