Chapter 12
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I finally rolled out of bed late in the morning, I wasn't too excited for what today's events would entail. It was my first day as a ninja officially and I had to report to HQ for processing, today was going to be filled with paperwork and headaches. I absolutely loathe admin work and really paperwork in general, yes I understood the importance behind it which was the keeping of records but still the fact that the human race has complicated that simple task was to me, an assault on my own human rights. I strolled through the empty house towards the kitchen to make my breakfast.
Another thing that irritated me was the fact that eggs were really expensive here in Earth country so my mother made the eating of them in the morning completely off limits, so I searched for the half of a mackerel I saved from last night's prep and began to heat the stove. I prepared breakfast and ate in relative silence, still mulling over what I would encounter at HQ. once that was done I washed up, got dressed, and tied my headband in its proper place and set out for the day. I walked through the village at a slow pace not really in a hurry to get to my destination and wishing for something, hell anything, to postpone my journey so I could have an excuse to put off what I knew needed to be done. Of course, nothing happened but a few stares and small comments about the kid who collapsed during the tournament. This was really my first time in public since being discharged so this was just par for the course. People are nosey, well some people are but when a major event happens to someone people are curious as to their state of well-being.
I slowly entered the Tsuchikage's tower where all the branches' HQ was located. The tower itself was the only structure that was built from brick and it was a deeper earth color than all the other buildings around it which made it stand out a bit. The tower was packed with shinobi, each dressed almost the exact same uniform, some had two long baggy sleeves, others had one or none. They all were busy with something either moving in a hurry with paperwork in hand or linking up with people to discuss matters that were unknown to me. This reminded me of the busy subway station I would use back home, there were a lot of things about this world that reminded me of home and it made me a little homesick, just a little. I began to look for a directory, and much to my dismay there was none. I'd forgotten this is a shinobi village why in the hell would they point out where things are? You're supposed to know where you're going if not get directions or find it yourself. With that I made my way to the first flight of stairs I saw tucked off in the corner of the tower and began my search for Scout HQ.
The first floor belonged to the infantry so I skipped it and continued climbing the stairwell. Next was the engineer's, and then finally was the scouts. I figured the medic's HQ was located somewhere in the hospital seeing that they didn't have a place here, the scouts' floor looked just like the rest, tables dotted the room where people sat and held conversations there were three windows two faced the doors and one off to the right. Each had a sign the hung above them indicating what their uses were for. I began to weave my way through the tables and felt the stares of the others who were in the room. Sure their conversations continued, however, their eyes were fixed on my back. I reached the window that had 'reception' hanging above it and came face to face with a young man who looked like he was bored out of his mind. He was currently staring up at the ceiling like it was the most interesting thing in the world.
"Yeah, what can I do for ya?" he said in a dead voice refusing to tear his attention away from the ceiling.
"I'm here to in-process," I responded in an equally dead tone. Once he heard this his head snapped over towards the stack of papers that sat of to his right. He grabbed a couple of them and went over them quickly before slapping them on the counter in front of me. He then grabbed a pen and placed it next to them.
"Fill them out and bring them back," he said. I took the paperwork and utensil and found an empty table and began filling out the papers. Again I could feel the stares and every once in a while I'd look out of the corner of my eyes to confirm that yes indeed they were looking at me. I ignored them, as best I could. I pushed on with the little bit of focus I still had on the papers in front of me, I just wanted to finish this quickly and get out of here I hated being the center of people's attention when it wasn't called for. I raced through the packet and took it back to the reception window. The boy flipped through it and threw it on top of a stack paperwork to his left.
"I take it you haven't been to the issuing center, have ya?"
"No, I haven't," I said.
"Alright, well it's on the east side of the village right before all the training grounds are at, got it?" I nodded and started making my way towards the door. "Hey, kid!" I turned to see the receptionist still looking at me. "Welcome to the team,"
"Glad to be a part of it," I said before leaving.
The equipment issuing facility or EIF as it was normally called was nothing more than a warehouse that stored and handed out all shinobi equipment for the conventional forces. It was here that uniforms, gear, armor, and weapons were issued out to new shinobi or to ones who either lost or broke their stuff and needed new items. The facility was organized by categories and then separated by sub-categories. I assume this was to keep certain things separated from others. The lines weren't as long as I was anticipating, in fact, the longest one was for clothing, which didn't shock me after all this was the only place you could get an Iwa shinobi uniform. Only the hidden leaf and sand didn't really adhere to a set uniform for shinobi work, everywhere else did at least that was my observation from the show. Moving through the uniform line I was tossed three pairs of tops and pants, I then moved on to receive my flack vest as well as a sustainment pouch and holster. I was told that kunai and shuriken would be given to me at my HQ as well as any special weapons or equipment. Lastly, I was given a mission pack to put all my stuff in.
I sat down and began to inspect all of the things I was given and I wasn't impressed with the quality of the material. The other thing that struck me was just how worn the clothes were, there were sewn spots where tears had occurred or alterations had been done to fit the previous person. There was no guarantee that what I was given would even fit properly, the flak vest was also in a sorry state. It had a few tears and upon closer inspection, I saw faded blood splatter and spots on it. That told me that this vest had seen some action, and either it's the previous owner was a capable shinobi… or a dead one. Really I wasn't surprised by the state of my gear and clothes. This is exactly how a large military force is run, there are a lot of priorities that need to be considered and gear at least for the conventional forces is always low on the list. If you want good gear and clothing you had to go and spend your own money. I let out a breath of frustration as I finished packing.
"It's like I'm joining the army all over again," I said to myself.
I took my new ninja gear home and placed it in my room. It was mid-afternoon so I had a lot more time to kill before the day was over so I decided some well-deserved training was in order. I hadn't done much of anything due to my stay in the hospital and I much rather shake off the rust in the training grounds than on mission, the last thing I wanted was to get myself or someone else killed because of my own negligence. The other reason was I wanted to test my chakra system limitations, I could still use jutsu but I need to know what was within my limits and how bad it would hurt. By knowing this I could better tailor my fighting style around these new limitations and effectively negate them as much as possible so that they don't interfere with my work or decision making. Who knows maybe I could start building up a bit of tolerance to the pain now.
The Tsu's training grounds were located atop a small mountain that loomed over the whole compound. The trip up there wasn't a pleasant hike either, the path was jaded with sharp rocks and it was narrow. The only thing that made me confident enough to even walk this was the fact that I knew if I slipped I would be able to recover and save myself from falling to my death. The entrance to the actual grounds was marked by two pillars with the clan's insignia sitting atop, which happened to be a circle with a vertical line running through it. As I entered a gust picked up from an impact that was further out in the grounds. It was hard to see due to the clouds blocking my line of sight but the gust would continue every so often. I started to make my way to the source. As I did my clothes became damp due to the clouds. The light was beginning to dim like a lampshade was thrown over the sun. I drew closer and the impacts became louder and the gust force increased significantly. Finally, I could see a silhouette through the clouds and by its profile determined who it was.
"Jin-sama," I called out. The figure stopped mid kick, I assumed they believed that they were alone this whole time.
"Yuudai?" he questioned.
"Hai,"
"What are you doing here?"
"To train obviously," I said. Jin wasn't to amused by my smart remark but for whatever reason, he decided to let it go without resistance. His clothes were drenched in sweat, his appearance was disheveled. "How long have you been up here?" I asked. He quickly turned his back to me.
"Why do you care?"
"I don't, it was a simple question," I shot back immediately. Jin lunged at me and I backed away just out of his reach. I quickly pulled my katana close to my hip and rested my hand on the hilt, ready to be drawn at a moments notice. "Now you're attacking me when I haven't done anything to you,"
"Shut up, you have been disrespecting me with your tone, and responses to my questions,"
"And? What of it? You seem really hung up on this respect thing when you haven't even earned it, what have you done to earn my respect?" I said. My adrenaline began to pump through my veins, my hands turned clammy, but my soul was looking forward to the prospect of fighting Jin, in this environment, no one was here to stop us.
Come on, please make my day.
Jin studied me for a second, our eyes met on multiple occasions. He stood upright and backed away from me.
"I'm not going to play into your hands, You are a provocateur Yuudai. If I were to tangle with you I'd only be allowing myself to be used for your own enjoyment,"
Ugh, he just had to ruin my fun. Damn killjoy.
"Whatever, you just don't want to fight because you're scared to lose again,"
"What you say?!" He said in an elevated voice laced with irritation. "You've got a lot of nerve, given your situation,"
"Just admit it Jin, Aoi beat you, how she did it I don't know but I can tell she did a number on you seeing that your here right now."
"I'm here because any shinobi would do the same in their free time,"
"So the excuses continue, you never once stepped foot in the training grounds at the academy. You were never seen in the library studying. You got by with talent, but then Aoi knocked you off your high horse," I could feel the tension building between us. I knew this was a sore spot for him so I'm attacking it, I was gunning for that same embarrassment he let me have a taste of two years ago. Even if we didn't fight I wanted to bruise his ego a bit. He needed to learn a lesson; no one not even people who are below you on the social ladder owe you a damn thing. "Now look at you, training blindly, you have no idea what it is your doing up here you're just hoping it yields some results,"
"Who do you think you are, huh?! You think you're better than me?!" he shouted. I got out of my stance and stood tall unwavered by his increase in volume and aggressive tone.
"I know I'm better than you, if you think I'm wrong then prove it right here, right now," I said. I again readied myself hand looming over the hilt of my blade. I could see the emotional shifts that took place on Jin's face, first was anger, then mild irritation, and finally hesitation. Once I saw that look of hesitation I began to chuckle.
"What's so funny?!" he demanded.
"You, that's what. Seems Aoi not only defeated you physically but mentally as well," I straightened up and made my way back where I came from. "Better fix yourself, otherwise your not going to live long enough to take over the clan," I called over my shoulder.
"Can't you see that's what I'm trying to do?! I just… don't know how," I stopped moving away from him and began to listen, maybe he's realized his shortcomings on his own being out here. I heard a sniffle and then a choke for air. I looked over my shoulder to see tears streaming down his face. "I don't know how to change, I was told I didn't have to, that everything I did was right, but she… she told me otherwise,"
"So what's your point? I don't care what you want to do, you may want to change but are you willing to do what you need to do to bring that change about?" I asked. "Don't answer that question half-heartedly, you should dwell on it, and then once you have your answer, do something to bring it about if that's what you choose to do, tears will not solve your problem and neither will training yourself aimlessly for days. Use your head and come up with a solution and a plan then execute, don't put the cart before the horse,"
I continued to walk towards the exit.
"Yuudai,"
"Hai, Jin-sama,"
"If I said I wanted to change myself, would you help me,"
I stopped and pondered that question for a bit. I still didn't like Jin but as of right now our clan's future belongs to him.
"Only if there is truth behind your actions, I've learned not to trust that forked tongue of yours,"
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Day turned to dusk as I continued my evaluation of my limits. I made the hand signs for Twin Phantasm and immediately felt a jolt of pain. I felt like fire was shooting through my entire body, I still executed the jutsu and my shadow detached from my body. I was still feeling pain but now it was a dull ache like a pulse within my body other than my heartbeat. I began to spar with my shadow making sure I was giving 100% effort and was moving at combat speeds, I used the teleportation jutsu in situations that called for it. I was pushing chakra throughout my body and using various offensive and defensive jutsus. After about twenty minutes I felt like I was going to pass out. I stopped immediately and sat down, my time limit in a fight would be twenty minutes give or take a minute or so depending on other factors like rest, hydration etc. That wasn't much time in terms of a fight, however, it was good news because at least for that time I could use my body to its full potential. I stared up at the orange-blue sky painting, I was REALLY tired and all I wanted to do was go to sleep. I dragged myself to my feet slowly so I didn't pass out from standing up to fast.
I stretched and then stuffed my hands in my pockets as I strolled slowly out of the village training grounds. I could still feel the pain from my chakra network but it was more of an annoyance, I would have to learn to live with this now. Strangely I was optimistic about my new situation because my body and chakra network was still growing and developing, I wouldn't feel like this forever sure the pain would still be there but I will be better able to manage it and fight longer. Which I was going to need to be able to do soon, however right now I needed to rely on my head and not my physical talents too much. I may not be as smart as a Nara but I'm no dummy when it comes to combat strategies and battlefield awareness. Just as I was about to get into training my sword skills a messenger bird came swooping in and drop a scroll right in front of my feet and hooked left away from me.
"Heh, great delivery," I said as I picked up the scroll and began to read its contents. "A mission briefing huh? Man, these guys don't waste time," I said as I rolled the scroll back up. I made a run for Tsuchikage's tower were the actual mission briefing would take place. I entered the tower and located the briefing room that was on the first floor. I slid open the double metal doors and was greeted by a few unfamiliar faces.
"Well, about time you got here," a gruff old man said. I looked around the room and saw no one that I recognized. I shut the doors behind me and walked deeper into the room.
"Uh, sorry I'm late?" I said slowly.
"Oh god, this is our scout?" said the female shinobi. "Commander, can we get a different one?"
I shot her a glare, fuck already trying to replace me? I didn't even do anything wrong.
"Don't look now but I think you pissed him off, he's glaring daggers at you," came the other male shinobi who had a lit cigarette in his mouth. She quickly turned to me and shot me a death glare.
"Got something you want to say kid?" she snarled.
"Yeah, you're a bitch," I snapped. Before I could even react there was a kunai pointed at my throat.
"You got some mouth on ya, I know your mother raised you better than that," came her voice from behind me. She was fast so fast I didn't even notice she moved, I tried to keep my composure. "Now I think you owe me an apology,"
"I owe you nothing, you insulted me first," I said. The point got closer to my throat.
"Alright, enough out of both of you," came a deep rugged voice. "Sorry Junko, Yuudai was the one his captain selected for this mission so unless you want to tangle with Hanna-taicho, which would probably not end well for you I'd suggest you suck it up for now,"
"Tch, your so lucky kid, don't let your guard down around me again," she said as she backed away from me.
"I don't intend to seeing that your out to kill me too,"
We all lined up in front of the commander of the Iwa shinobi forces; head captain Taisen. From the looks of it, I'd say he was a middle-aged man with the silver fox look going on. He was definitely an old timer just by the look in his eyes I could tell he'd seen and done some terrible things in his time as a shinobi. He flipped through some paperwork and the dropped a file with a picture attached. We all gathered a bit closer to see who it was. The man in the picture wore a hidden Haze headband, had a cut scar on his left cheek that traveled towards his ear. His eyes were a dark brown and his hair was a sandy brown color.
"That is Hikigaya Ruji, he's been giving us some trouble on the border recently. He's led three successful raids on our outpost and has killed a lot of brothers and sisters," he then turned and looked directly at me. "I not too confident in the rookie's tracking abilities, however your captain has put her faith in you, maybe because you have potential, maybe it's because you're family, whatever the reason I'm tasking all of you: Junko, Eiji, Ayumi, Yuudai, and Manabu, you are to deploy to border outpost 21 and hunt down Hikigaya Ruji. Use whatever methods you see fit to kill him, you all are to leave in the morning, do I make myself clear?"
"Hai, head captain," we all responded.
"This will be ranked as a C ranked mission, I hope to see you all return safely," he said as he stood up. "You're dismissed, except for you Yuudai I have something I wish to discuss with you further,"
I turned back towards the head captain as everyone else left. Once the doors shut he looked at me again.
"Relax son, you're tense," I didn't realize how ridged my stance was and I tried to loosen my stance. "There ya go, I do this with all the rookies before they go out on their first mission, it's kinda a pep talk and a warning. Tell me what do you think kills rookie shinobi the most when out on their first mission?"
"Stupidity," I answered. Taisen chuckled at that.
"Well, you're not wrong however you missed the deeper meaning behind the question, what kills rookie shinobi the most is themselves,"
"How so?" I asked.
"Because they always look for the book answer in a world that changes constantly, they think that if they don't take risks that they will survive, they believe that if they avoid the responsibilities that come with decision making on the battlefield that they can't be held accountable for the outcome. Listen Yuudai you are a member of that cell and you are the scout, you need to be willing to take risks and accept responsibility by making tough choices, don't fall into the thinking trap of 'I'm the rookie' no your a shinobi, everyone was a rookie at one point, even Junko as ill-mannered as she is now, was a scared little rookie infantry shinobi eight years ago. So don't be afraid to let your presence be known within the cell, got it?"
"Hai,"
The head captain then waved me off and I left. The 1st floor of the tower was empty seeing that evening had set in, the only people that would still be here were people who were putting in some last minute overtime to complete some work. I again stuffed my hands into my pockets and began to lazily stroll out down the road towards home. I dwelled on the head captain's words and honestly, I didn't care much for his encouragement, I appreciate the sentiment but I didn't need to be told to exert my dominance when it came to team dynamics. I know how to concede when called for and disagree when needed, I wasn't a pushover nor a total tool. I actually wasn't really looking forward to this mission I hate working with people especially people like Junko, I knew she was going to be a pain in the ass to work with. I looked up at the partly cloudy night sky and watched as the moon was blanketed by a fluffy cloud. I let out a breath and continued slowly strolling through the village.
"Man, okaa-chan is gonna kill me for being late for dinner,"
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A/N: Again sorry for being so late to update, got a lot going on right now and I've been finding less and less time to write. So please don't think I'm one of those authors who only updates if the fic gets more followers. So a bit of an explanation this will not be Yuudai's team on a permanently. The way Iwagakure's cell system works and is structured is each branch; scouts, engineers, infantry, and medics all have captains in charge of them and these captains get daily briefs on missions that have been requested or military missions for the village, these captains then pick who they feel is best suited for the mission and that's how the cell is formed. Of course, this is a headcanon, and these captains are not to be confused with the death captains of the Executioner forces they are their own separate entity from the conventional forces. Anyways thank you for reading…. Until next time my friends.