===Chapter 12: Alchemy===

A storm was approaching…

Well actually, that would be wind currents building in my hand.

Naruto startled from his position on the ground and shifted to get a better look at the thing. His eyes widened as the distortions became distinctly familiar, "Hey wait, is that…?"

I smirked and traced my lips with my opposing two fingers. Crouching down, I bashed my fists together, and my image bled over the walls like a broken mirror.

Naruto stared at the space in thought, tails extending out behind him before shouting.

"And you're just leaving off whenever!?"

I chuckled at the echo that formed behind me, 'Kid, you've got a lot to learn.' Suddenly I got an idea. It involved a few moving parts, and I still wanted to focus on the sannin and getting the village situation sorted. By the time I managed to place the thought, my feet had ended a trip at a peculiar doorstep.

Looking around for whatever whim dropped me here, I spotted something in the window. A night cap, and a not unfamiliar shirt balled in the corner, "Well, what the hell am I doing here?"

I felt incredibly out of place, and on top of that, this apartment was something I'd never seen before. It was a far cry from the shanty pantry of a rundown district. Taking a good leap back from the building, I assessed the building from afar. Modern, two story apartment building. True to Konoha's form, sandwiched between two other residential buildings and a corner store that maybe came with living quarters?

Dang. I guess being raised as a self made epidemic has an impact on standards. That or Kyubi's rampant chakra liquified the place. I was thorough, but I guess you never know with competing seals of that caliber. Jogging up the landing, I thumbed open my hip pouch and drew out a sheet of paper and some stationary adhesive.

Something caught my eyes as I rested against the banister, and as I stood there wondering what to say, the eye sore threatened to devour my concentration. Great, another staple in the 'absolute power' stereotype bin.

The door clicked against the frame as the rustle of plastic was shepherded into the kitchen. A few supplies made it to the countertop before he mistook something else for one of the protein bars. Taking it as much as a call for initiative as any, he set the back down and made his way back to the table. Coming around the tiered counter, he found the original cause for his errands.

He stood there, one moment, another, glancing to the tube of resin he assumed would have no other cause for being there, and then back to the lamp.

The large crack that had split the thing in two was gone. The numerous fragments that chipped dusted off to who knows where. The lamp stood higher than it had that morning, missing the scratches and chips he gave it when he first moved it to the bedside table. Absently he hopped onto the chair to inspect the ornamental piece, but his mind was still wandering his earlier steps when his hand brushed something under the base.

Shifting the lamp to the side he opened the letter, and quickly, a scowl formed on his face.

~The table on the other side is more secure~

He fumed, contemplating tearing up the letter and moving on with his evening. He glanced to the formerly broken lamp and frowned in thought. His curiosity outlasting his outrage.

Striding back into the kitchen, he stowed the glue, set a pot to boil, and proceeded to stow the articles he picked up throughout the day.

Eventually though, the pot was still boiling, and his attention wandered to the letter. Frowning, he picked it up off the counter, and promptly skipped over the witty remark.

~If you're still interested, I'm with you kid, but I'm going to be busy over the next few days.

I'm still learning the ropes of this village. There's a lot of people and stuff that's unfamiliar to me.

I'd be ashamed if something I told you kept you away from people who count on someone like you. I don't want you to get caught up in the whats and hows.

Don't worry about me running off. I've become invested. Just do what you feel you should do, and I'll help along the way.

I admit, I'm not innocent in what came over you through the years. I'll help you find what you want, but in turn, I want to see you grow. Become strong, and nurture that beast that lives in your heart. It carries the answers you seek. Don't mistake that in the obvious answers though. It is as strong as anything that will stand before you.

Sincerely, Joseph - Guardian of IMA~

Naruto huffed at the title. As if it meant anything to him. His mind wandered back to the swirling air. It had looked a lot like the phantom limbs he had, but on top of that, that same tug reacted to it.

It had clouded or silenced his thoughts last night, and he couldn't place how he felt about it. It felt familiar, but at the same time, like it was pushing him back, affecting his reactions and responding in a way that was not his own.

Affecting his reactions… The itch!

Naruto's eyes sharpened as it dawned on him. Furrowing his brow. Could it really be affecting him too? Like all the others before him? He shook his head and resolved to keep an eye out for it. He'd thought it gone, but there was no way he would let it make him angry around the others.

He would steal himself away before that happened. Suddenly, he mood became somber, as he recalled how parents would draw children away from him, as though there were problems they couldn't see. He had to take a moment to remind himself that the itch had never affected someone in that way when he didn't feel a difference. That ever since he had gained control of it, parents no longer tried to take them away.

As much as his senses would say it was a tenuous balance. It frustrated him, but now he could also place that same cautious feeling where he'd felt himself pressed aside. Like a lens out of focus.

It took awhile but he finally came back to himself, at which point he wondered what the itch was. After all, it reacted to that… that whirly thing Joseph did. Not quite like it did before, but did that mean he could control it? Knew what it was?

The whistling of the pot had gotten him going through the motions. He paused in his musing long enough to empty a can into his soup. The spicy tang mixing with the mundane musk of savory broth and his stomach rumbled in concord.

Between the meal and bleary eyes, further musings were postponed as his body demanded it's fair share of rest. His busy muscles flopped into bed and in the same heartbeat, sleep claimed him.

It had been two days since the fateful encounter. I had been prowling for a good standpoint for a few days, but I was rationing luck. Of all the people I knew of in the village, to forge a connection, a turning point. I really am crap with individualizing.

Down in my way, and meandering around the village proper, It wasn't long until the bright ball of perpetual energy found me. As it turns out, if I'm not skirting the rooftops, or perceived by a large group of people, Naruto can find someone easily. It's similar to my own abilities, but it's sharper and he lacks a number of my downsides.

As I feared, he took a liking to me, and I really don't have any motive to say no as it is. I pause in thought, as that could very well change in the future. If he starts thinking about me like a full time guardian, I may well need to turn him away.

I'm still vulnerable to whims it seems. And already, I moved to get a clear scope of him.

Suddenly, a kid nearing half my size leapt up, baring my way, and view of the blond. I raised a brow for a moment, before compulsion barreled it's way down my arm. As the words left my mouth, my eyes widened.

"Horse head!"

The boy scowled, "What'd you say?"

I wince, "Or straw face if you prefer?" my hand twitched. Voice raised, impulsive attitude, utter petulance in the face of a stern individual. Squeaky. My homage to childish attitudes.

Naruto backed up and glanced over the boy's shoulder, "You're gonna talk down to everyone now?"

The brown haired ponytail sneered, "The name is Iruka Umino. Stay away from Naruto, stalker!"

~You were sad and lonely, and hurting inside. And I wish I'd been there for you more~

"Huh." I managed to ditch squeaky, for a more appropriate tone, but the solemn haunted story voice was long gone, "You've got spirit kid, I'll give you that."

Iruka shifted warily. Behind him, Naruto spoke up, "He's not like that, Iruka. Grumpy and rude, yeah, but he's not a bad person."

"He's got the eyes of a killer, Naruto. I saw him move."

I pulled my head back, "Now look, that's my face. I've been told I look angry when I'm thinking." Folding my arms I tilted my head and fixed them both a look, "I'm a good person. I just don't like that I'm not forward about it."

Iruka lowered his arms but seemed unconvinced. He gave a look over his shoulder toward the blond, and let it slide for the time being. Retreating to overseeing the game some other kids were setting up.

My gaze followed the watcher, "I'm gonna put this out there. You have a gift for making friends."

Naruto smiled and for a moment seemed torn between bashful and proud, "Yeah, Iruka's great. He's strong too. Says he'll be a chunin in a year or two. He's got a ninja headband and everything!"

I felt the world spin on its ear. My eyes zeroing furiously on the face beneath the headplate. I saw visions of the future, and couldn't reconcile how this one was getting caught up in them. I hissed as the disorientation rectified. My equilibrium fussing about the delinquent response. I gripped my forearm, this could be a problem for me.

Damn it. My senses are actually rebelling against this? Was I bred to weigh people at half value? I knew I was different. That the way I see the world is strange and eccentric. I just forgot that… or maybe never even fully realized that mechanically, that difference is essential.

I looked to Naruto and felt the beginnings of a smile on my face. The little rascal. I may not match up with my idols, but this kind of push is all I ever really need, "That he does. He's got a good head on his shoulders, and courage to boot." I let the feeling wash over me, "You two will grow very strong together. I've no doubt, you will need each other in your corner, and when the time is right become stronger as a result."

Naruto raised his brow, "You think so?"

I felt a tinge behind my ear, and a deeper excitement writhe from within, "Naruto. I bet you can already tell."

The group continued to mingle for another hour or two. Naruto's bad of younger kids running circles around the others like a celestial body. Iruka got on well with the group of older kids congregating in the center. Faction of gossip, tile games and often enough a splitter group venturing off to who knows where.

As amiable as he was withdrawn. It didn't take long to pick out the tells. Counting heads with the bob of his own, and scanning widely for regular intervals. Iruka would also switch positions, and even groups as the moment came.

His eyes always found upon the wandering children.

I recognized several people who came and went, and it served to remind me that this was a much younger village than the one I was watching out for. Genin and even chunin, stopped by as the hours passed, and many new faces replaced old ones.

Seeing as the group itself changed regularly, I went so far as to guess that Iruka may have been assigned to a member or two. Of course, as we approached midday, it was more than guesswork.

I - did not - see a thing. It barely registered for a moment that Iruka's last position was vacant, and then the hailing of children drew attention to one of the side roads. What followed was a firm dressing down, the younger's prideful remark, and a return to the group of roaming kids.

Already, I'd seen four of the middle most generation that I'd ever known. It drove hard the point that the 'young adult' portion had taken the brunt out of the biju attack. These were the ones who took on the responsibility. The good and the bad.

My ambition did not simply ride on the youngest generation. If the will of fire didn't run from the bottom up, and protect these middle ground warriors as well, I would be a far cry short.

Indeed, a storm is coming. And I'll give it my all to ensure these kids are ready to take it head on.

Darkness swept over the governing body, vicious streaks leaching out toward the signs of still tender flesh.

"Hebi, You're doing that thing again."

"Eh" Chocolate brown eyes tore from their surroundings, finding one than the other wary gaze before tracking to her exposed elbow. Quickly dialing back the still writhing marks she turned ahead and smiled wistfully, "Sorry about that. I'm just super excited to get my hands dirty."

"Yeah well, don't let it out of control." The second spoke, loosening their shoulder beneath the short sleeved cloak, before making up for the shift in pace, "I've heard that you and this place have a history. Still, don't make waves. We don't need the attention, and that ace is useless if it keeps the eyes of every other ninja on us."

"Sorry Shishi. I'm not about to play in smooth shades, but I promise, I can cover for myself."

The third member grumbled, but the conversation ended sharply as the three came to a dead stop. The two in back shifted nervously, but when 'hebi' lifted a sign, they kept deathly silent. Her fingers ticked off.

'3, 2, 1.'

The three broke off in a practiced maneuver. The swath of senbon needles brushing through could have riddled any of them with as many holes as they had arteries.

Shishi bit back a curse as he felt his coat caught and punched through. The sound could have given him away as much as it'd covered their maneuver.

The sound of sandals meeting earth put the two on alert, and they quickly navigated to vantage points.

"You should be more careful. Skipping through the woods like that, you'd be mistaken for easy prey."

'Hebi' sneered, "You really should be more careful. Making enemies this far out, you make yourself a really easy target."

The spokesperson for the platoon scowled, "Ronin. Are you here under some misguided try at appeal? You're sorely outnumbered, and I've half a mind to kill you now, on the off chance one of you has a bounty."

The two yet in the trees nodded to one another and cut around the group.

The shinobi within the rank shifted cautiously to gauge their response.

Keep an ear out behind him, the spokesman added, "And then there was one. You're either poor bait, or a waste of my time."

"I'm not about wasting energy on competition. I just wanted to memorize your faces before I see that twinkle fade." She gave a mock salute and pivoted into the forest. The platoon drew weapons to shut her down, but the leader held them at bay. As the smoke cleared, a handful of snakes slipped into the grass. The last sign of disturbed foliage out of earshot in an instant.

"Competition huh? What a joke."