Hello, people!
I know, long time no see.
Good news: this IS a chapter!
Bad news for thos who also read my other stories: Imagine is the only one which is going to be updated for the moment. The reason is simple: I wrote this story years ago so I only have to proofread it before posting it. It's not the case for my other stories, which I have to write.
Quick reminder: this story was written years ago so I'm not changing anything about (except the typos), including the plot or the rythm. Thank y'all for your constructive criticism though! I do pay attention to it but I will not act on it for this particular story.
This chapter is rather slow but... well, I just explained myself so... ^^
See you soon! (hopefully)
Imagine - chap 5
[Quick reminder: the BAU team just got their minds blown when Sakura snapped upon learning the death of her BF. They're now heading to tsunade's office with Asuma to get sorted out and hopefully remain sane :p ]
"-All right. Wait here while I explain the situation." Asuma knocked on the door and entered after a strong "Come in!" He closed the door behind him, letting the BAU team in the waiting room adjacent to the Hokage's office. Usually Derek would have made a remark and demanded explanations but not this time. This time, the members of the BAU were too lost to say anything, Derek included. On the other side of the door Asuma was facing Tsunade.
"-What is it?
-We have a problem.
-It has to do with our guests.
-Yes.
-Something happened during the training session? Was there a trap left?
-No, the field was cleaned perfectly. Something did happen when the session was almost over, though.
-Explain.
-I guess you're already aware that Hagano Ren is dead…
-I received the news this morning. I'll tell Sakura later today.
-That won't be necessary."
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly and she swore under her breath.
"-I think I know what happened then. But still, explain everything. From the start.
-Well, I arrived there with Kakashi. Sakura arrived a few minutes later, followed by Shikamaru and Genma. Everything was fine. We waited for Kiba to bring them, which he did apparently without offending any of them, I will add. The four of them were there but only Derek Morgan and Emily Prentiss participated in the spar. Everything went smoothly. They're actually quite good. They managed to land a few blows and did not take too many of them either. Interesting fighting style. Morgan's more of a brawler but he is actually really good and doesn't waste opportunities and energy. The girl' style is closer to our fighting style. She knows several martial arts similar to what we know. They have good teamwork but I think they're the best fighters of their team. After some time the teams changed. The girls teamed up against the men. Then Kakashi teamed up with Prentiss. I could give you a more detailed assessment of their skills but I think Kakashi is more suited than me for that. After a while they went back to the original formation. That's when shit hit the fan. Heron came and salute-presented Ren's headband to Sakura." Tsunade's brows furrowed. "Kakashi had me retrieve them. He stayed with Sakura. We decided not to leave in order to help them if she took it too far.
-So they saw everything?
-Yeah.
-How bad was it?
-Not as bad as I thought it would be. Had I known I would have evacuated them but Inuzuka said something about another kid. It sounded bad so we didn't know how she would react.
-Sound got Sakura's neighbor ten days ago." Tsunade then stayed silent for a few minutes.
"-Sorry for the mess, Hokage-sama." Asuma apologized, in a rare instance of genuine respect.
"-Well, it's done now. No need to cry over spilled milk. How far did it go?
-As I said, I thought it was gonna be worse. She dropped the genjutsu hiding her seal. They moved fast. She messed up the field pretty bad. Landed a nasty hook on Kakashi's jaw. It might be broken, by the way. She used her glowing fist and a kunai. Kakashi had to fight back. Genma had to use an earth wall to block a boulder, so there's that too. And Kakashi had to use his Chidori to block her fist… That's about it.
-That's about it? That's all you have to say, Sarutobi?" Her tone was angry.
"-Well…
-Don't "well" me! This is bigger than I thought! We could have had a Yamanaka erasing a few minutes if it had just been a slip-up, but this…" She sighed. "Well, time for some damage control. Let them in."
Before moving to the door, Asuma asked, serious:
"-Are you mad at her?
-No. I'm sad for her. They were thinking about moving in together…" The Hokage replied in a low and calm voice. Asuma moved to the door. Before opening it he slipped one last remark.
"-Oh ! And the kid saw they were holding back. Eidetic memory. Just so you know." He finished with a note of humor. He then opened the door and signaled for the BAU to come in.
"-Out!" Tsunade screamed at him. "And don't think you and your pals are off the hook!" Asuma's shoulders sagged as he closed the door behind him. Inside her office Tsunade was watching the four men team in front of her. She sighed once more. "You might as well sit, this is gonna take a while." The BAU each grabbed a chair lined up against the wall and sat in front of her desk. "I guess you have questions so shoot."
The quatuor stayed silent, not knowing where to begin. It was Emily who opened the conversation after a moment of hesitation.
"-Did we… Did we hallucinate or something?" Tsunade snorted.
"-I guess this is a good and legitimate question to ask. Not one I expected but a valid one. No, unfortunately you didn't hallucinate. What you saw was real.
-How?" This time it was Spencer who asked.
"-This is going to be fun." The blond woman said in a whisper. "Where to begin? Okay, what do you know about chakra?
-Chakra is energy?" Supplied Emily, tentatively, almost as a question.
"-Chakra is the circulation of spiritual energy in the body. Hinduists believe that there are 7 pools of chakra in the body, distributed along its vertical axis. Each pool is linked to a physiological function, an emotion and a cosmic disposition. One has to find the balance between the 7 pools to be at peace and be able to access the immaterial world. It is often achieved through meditation." Proposed Spencer in a long lone breath.
"-Hm. I see. Interesting. So there are people aware of chakra but with a different notion of it. Fascinating." The head of the village did sound interested indeed. "Here, it is slightly different. Chakra is indeed spiritual energy but only partly. It is actually the combination of the physical and spiritual energy circulating in one's body. Its distribution in the body is different: it circulates in all the body. By manipulating their chakra shinobis can manipulate their body and the elements around them. They can actively use this energy and direct it outside of their body.
-What is a shinobi?
-A shinobi is a ninja who fights for his village. So I should rather say that ninjas are able to manipulate and use their chakra, not only shinobis. [A/N]
-Excuse me, but ninjas?! Are we being serious?! Ninjas are stories for children and bad movies." Derek interjected.
"-I can understand that this is difficult to grasp but I assure you that ninjas are real." Tsunade answered, refraining from laughing.
"-What, black wearing, cat-like masked figures lurking in the dark? Come on.
-That's a little diminutive and could be offending but yes, we do such things." That earned her a solid three minutes of incredulous silence. Obviously this Tsunade had lost her marbles and had gone completely coocoo.
"-I can see that you're not convinced." That was the understatement of the year. "I can understand. But how would you then explained what you saw?
-Severe dehydration and lack of sugar. Sparkled with a nice fever.
-All four of you?
-Doesn't seem so far-fetched compared to your explanation.
-Hm. Point taken. But don't forget who you're talking to, young man. Show some respect." As much as she was amused by the situation, she still was used to more respect than that, and expected such.
"-And who are you, exactly?"
Tsunade seemed to consider Derek's question, which reminded her that these people actually didn't know who she was and had no idea how disrespectful they had been.
"-I am Senju Tsunade, Fifth Hokage of Konoha of the Land of Fire. I am the Slug Princess of the Sannin and the best medic in the world. My grandfather," she pointed at a picture on the wall behind them, "was Senju Hashirama, founder and First Hokage of Konoha.
-So, you're like royalty?
-Yes. Let me explain. The land is divided into several countries. The biggest ones are the five Great Nations: Fire/Hi, Water/Mizu, Earth/Tsuchi, Wind/Kaze and Lightning/Kamimari. Each great nation has a daimyo; he is the head of the political power. Some smaller nations also have one but not necessarily. Each great nation and some smaller ones have what is called a "hidden village": Konoha for Fire, Kiri for Water, Suna for Wind, Kumo for Lightning and Iwa for Earth. Some small nations only have a hidden village without having a daimyo. The hidden villages are ninja villages. The Kage are the head of these villages. I am the Hokage, the current head of Konoha, until I die or retire. In other words I am the head of the military power. My "colleagues" are the Kazekage, Raikage, Mizukage and Tsuchikage. Hidden villages are quite independent from the political power of their country but diving in that particular topic would take forever and give me a headache so we're not going there. Any question so far?
-Tons.
-So everyone living here is a ninja?" Asked Aaron before Spencer could start asking the dozens of questions he surely had.
"-No. A good portion of the population is civilian. Actually you probably haven't seen any ninja with the exception of those you saw this morning.
-So Sakura and her team are ninjas?
-They are.
-Wait, wait, wait. I'm still processing the ninja thing," interrupted Derek, "Care to enlighten us? What is a ninja?
-Like I said, a ninja is someone who can manipulate chakra. But not only. I actually have a ninja who is completely unable to do so. Ninja… We learn, we train, we fight and we live for our village and our country.
-So you're soldiers?
-You could say that but it doesn't cover it all.
-Is there a war going on?" asked Aaron.
"-Not for the moment, but there is always something to fight for and missions to carry out.
-Missions?
-People come to hidden villages to seek help on matters they can't handle themselves. They pay us and we carry out these matters for them.
-What kind of matters?" Asked Derek, suspiciously.
"-Transport of merchandize or of documents, escort, bodyguard, among other things.
-Among other things, uh?
-You're government, I'm sure you can understand why I don't tell you everything." There were tense, silent seconds ticking. Emily, who had stayed silent for the most part, broke the awkwardness.
"-I have a question. Was what we saw the result of chakra manipulation?
-It was.
-How is it possible? I mean, you explained already but I still don't understand how such a thing is possible. How could Sakura move so fast and destroy the ground? And what was the light?
-Hm. Explaining chakra theory would take too long and I can't explain to you the working of Sakura's or Kakashi's techniques. Let's just say that this is the kind of stuff that is highly confidential, I'm sorry. And it would be a betrayal from my part to reveal how their body works."
Aaron straightened as he remembered what he saw in the park.
"-The other day I saw children playing in the park. One of them fell from a tree. I thought he was going to hurt himself but he landed just fine. Is that chakra too?
-No. Young children usually can't use chakra. Their body isn't fully formed and they can't access it yet. Or if they can they wouldn't be able to handle it." Aaron frowned, not entirely convinced: the child should have hurt himself, logically speaking. Seeing this Tsunade continued her explanation. "Children can't use chakra but they are training their body to be able to do so in the future. You have to understand that life as a shinobi is hard, both on the body and on the mind. The body goes under a lot of stress and has to be able to take it. When growing up, future ninja push their body to acclimate and adapt.
-You're breeding them?!
-No! We do not breed them!" Her voice was angry. "Enrolling in the Academy is a choice, both personal and of the parents. The Academy starts at the same age as the civilian school. Not all Academy students graduate. Actually a lot of them switch to the civilian school. But those who stay in the Academy have to fortify their body." That seemed to arouse Spencer's interest and curiosity. He wasted no time in asking a few questions.
"-How come? How can a body be fortified to the point where it can handle a lot more stress than normally? Do they have special treatments?
-Slow down. This is not how I planned my day. Children aiming to be ninja fortify their body and their senses through games mostly. Most of these games are regular children games like hide-and-seek or tag. The difference is that the limits and the rules are changed. The constant exercise forces their bones and muscles to develop more densely, providing them with increased stamina, endurance and energy, which in turn builds their reserves of chakra. Not everyone develops the same way, admittedly.
-Do they require more vitamins?
-Usually yes. Ninja tend to eat more than civilians. Healthier food, too.
-Do…
-I'm sorry but we can't continue. I have a busy schedule and I can see that you still have a lot of questions. Unfortunately I can't give you more of my time. I propose you this. Take the rest of the day off. Go back to your hotel, go to the bath-house, go to the park or to a restaurant. Relax. Eventually think about our discussion and about questions you would like to ask. If necessary I will arrange for someone to talk with you in the following days.
-Thank you, Tsunade." Said Aaron. "In light of what we just learnt, though, I'm sure you understand that our profile is highly inaccurate. We would need more information to build a better profile."
Tsunade looked him in the eyes for a few seconds.
"-I understand. I'll see what I can do. But understand that the situation hasn't changed: this is still highly classified information you're asking for. I'm not sure I will be able to give you more than you already have, regardless of what happened today and what you learnt.
-I understand. Thank you.
-Have a nice evening."
The BAU team left her office and walked to their hotel in a silent, incredulous daze.
Breakfast was silent. The evening had been silent. The BAU team, after their meeting with Tsunade, had been too shocked to say anything. They hadn't digested yet what the blond woman had told them – about chakra, ninjas and whatnots. In fact, they were more and more convinced that the woman was playing a joke on them. A bad one at that, too. They hadn't spoken about it because doing so would be like acknowledging what had been said, which just couldn't be real. Of course the fact that they might be in denial wasn't lost on them. They were experts in psychology after all. But seriously, how can all this be real? Surely, Tsunade had been bored out of her mind and decided to have some fun. Yet, there was this slightly disturbing thing they had witnessed. They had gone to sleep in silence. And now they were in the dining room of the hostel, eating breakfast in silence and mentally preparing themselves for another day of fruitless reflection about the case and being made fun of. As they were finishing eating, the owner came to them.
"-Someone asks for you.
-Ok?
-He's not coming in. I don't want any of them inside. You'll have to meet him outside of my hostel." She left them with that. They exchanged a look, wondering about this awkward message.
Outside a man with what they had come to view as the official uniform was waiting for them.
"-Good morning?
-Ah ! Good morning. Tsunade-sama sent me. She told me to tell you that she knew you weren't convinced, whatever that means. So she sent me. I'm Izumo, by the way. I'm to take you to the Academy and arrange for a tour. Is that okay with you?" After a few seconds and curious glances, Aaron answered.
"-I guess it is. We're following you."
The walk to the Academy was quiet. The group went directly inside, guided by Izumo, and up to the first floor. The doors to the classrooms were closed and everything was quiet in the wooden hallway. Izumo had them waiting as he went in a classroom. He came back after a few minutes, followed by another man in the same uniform. He had a scar on his nose.
"-This is Umino Iruka. He's a teacher. He's agreed to give you a tour of sort.
-Good morning.
-Good morning.
-Ok, now that everything's settled, I have to go. I have work to do." Izumo turned to the BAU members. "Enjoy your day," and then to Iruka, "see you around, Umino." After he left, Iruka spoke.
"-I'm Umino Iruka, nice to meet you.
-I'm SSA Aaron Hotchner. This is SSA Emily Prentiss, Derek Morgan, and Dr Spencer Reid. Nice to meet you.
-From what he told me Tsunade-sama wants me to show you around so you understand how the Academy works. Unfortunately, on such a short notice, I won't be able to find a replacement so I can't leave the classroom. I can propose you two things, however. You can either leave and do what you have to do this morning. I should be able to find someone to take over my class this afternoon by lunch so I would be able to give you a tour then. Or you can stay and attend the morning classes and decide what to do after lunch: attend the classes, leave or have me give you a tour. The choice is yours." The BAU team hesitated a bit, which didn't go unnoticed. "I'm teaching the highest grades so I think you might find the classes interesting. But I would understand if you'd prefer coming back this afternoon. Like I said, the choice is yours."
After a few glances Aaron spoke for the group.
"-I think we're going to attend. This might be interesting indeed.
-Great! Come with me." The teacher led them in the class. To their surprise they entered a regular-looking classroom, with fifteen or so regular-looking children. The children, who had been talking among themselves before the group entered, were now silently staring at the unknown adults before them.
"-Good morning, class!
-Good morning, Iruka-sensei." They all answered at the same time.
"-This morning, as you can see, we have special guests with us. These are Ms Prentiss, and Mr Hotchner, Morgan and Reid. They will be staying with us for the morning class so please be polite. And don't worry, they're not going to judge you. They are here to observe how our Academy works so don't mind them and be yourself." He then turned to the guests. "You can go and sit at the back of the class, if you don't mind.
-All right." The eyes of all the children followed them as they moved to the back of the class and took a seat. The last few rows were unoccupied, indicating that some classes had more students than this one. When they were all seated, the children kept looking at them until Iruka started to speak again.
"-Kids! Pay attention." They all turned back to him and the front of the class. "Since we hadn't started today's class yet, I'm going to change the program. Instead of focusing on one subject for the whole morning like we did yesterday, we're going to have a general review session. We'll go back on a few topics we already saw and we'll see a few new things, too. That way our guests can have a good idea of what we learn, okay? And it will be a good reminder for you since your graduation exams will be in a few weeks. Ah! And before I forget, I might not be here this afternoon. I don't know yet who will replace me but don't think that you can goof around just because I'm not here. I will know if you do. Is that understood?" His voice had taken a somber tone.
"-Yes, Iruka-sensei!"
Hours passed as the children answered Iruka's questions and he answered theirs. The observing group of four was amazed: the class had spoken of so many things! There were no math and no language classes. Instead, the children had spoken of history, politics, economics (albeit briefly), geography, topography, and so many scientific topics. In geology they studied different kinds of rocks and their characteristics. In biology they studied plants that could be dangerous, helpful, both, edible or used in any other way. They learnt how to predict the weather based on the clouds in the sky. They had a good knowledge of the human body. The visiting adults were shocked to see children knowing so many things. Admittedly, the knowledge wasn't extensive in any subject but the general knowledge of these young students was amazing.
The class became more agitated as the lunch hour grew closer. When one student was answering a question Iruka had just asked about a muscle in the leg, a realization dawned on the BAU team: what these children were learning, all these amazing things, tended to one goal, survival.
This realization stunned them. They weren't attending a class in a wonderful school. They were attending a military formation. These children were taught how to survive in the wilderness. They were taught human anatomy. Not animal anatomy.
Their musing was interrupted when Iruka announced the end of the morning class. He reminded his students that he wouldn't be the one teaching them that afternoon but that they had to behave all the same. When the last student had left to have lunch, he motioned for the BAU to follow him.
"-So, not too disappointed?
-No, it was really interesting. We have a few questions, if you don't mind.
-Not at all but what about getting lunch first? Then I'll ask a colleague to supervise my class along with his for the afternoon so I can give you the tour and answer your questions.
-All right."
After leading the BAU team to the Academy cafeteria, Iruka disappeared for a while to arrange things for his class. He then joined the BAU at their table.
"-Ok, I'm all yours now. I managed to have a colleague look after them.
-Sorry for the trouble. We appreciate what you're doing.
-No problem. Hum… So I guess you have questions?" Iruka was actually surprised not to have been drowned yet by their questions. Emily was the one to answer him.
"-You don't even imagine!
-I guess so. Well, let's start small while we eat, then. Do you have any question concerning the class?
-Quite a few actually.
-The curriculum is impressive. Is it that extensive for all grades?
-We try to, in a sense. You might have noticed that the system is particular. There are different grades based on the level of the students rather than their age. We don't teach the same things in the same grade every year because some students need more than a year to reach the next grade. It's not usual but it's not rare either.
-How old are they when they start?
-This is also variable. Usually they start when they're 5 or 6, most often 6. Civilians who want to try the Academy usually start when they are 6, 7 or 8 depending on their parents and on the development of their body. Students usually graduate at around 12 but this might also change depending on the general level of the class and the individual level of each student.
-We were quite surprised by the program. Is it always this oriented?
-How so?
-Well, isn't it oriented toward survival? That's unsettling, to say the least.
-Ah, you caught that. Yes, it is indeed survival-oriented. I teach the seniors so it is already rather specialized. I'm supposed to prepare them for what's next. Junior grades and the ones in-between are far less survival-oriented, if at all. My class is also more practice-oriented, with the exception of the first grade. The first grade really puts the emphasis on the physical aspect; they spend almost all their time playing games. Although, to be honest, I'm pretty sure the teachers do that so the children spend their energy outside of the classroom.
-What's "next"?
-Like we reviewed this morning, our… profession is based on a ranking system of genin, chuunin and jounin. The Academy students are pre-genin. After graduation they'll hopefully attain the rank of genin. In doing so they will also officially become ninja of the village. In some cases and depending on the situation, becoming a genin also means becoming an adult, legally speaking, and full adulthood in the military system. Genin are placed on a 3-men team under the supervision of a jounin. After some time and based on their skills, they can become chuunin. Chuunin can operate on a team without a jounin leader. The promotion to jounin is the next step but it is not mandatory. Whether one decides to try for jounin or not depends mostly on one's motivation and expectations. For example, I've always wanted to be a teacher so I remained a chuunin.
-So jounin is the highest rank?
-Simply put, yes. In practice, it's more complex. I'm sure you are aware that our profession and our village are a military organization?
-We are.
-Like in any organization we have different branches, specializations if you like. Criteria for admission vary from one to another. The ranking system is common to the whole village, and other villages as well for that matter, but each department has its own criteria of selection regardless of the rank. In other words, there are differences of levels and skills within each rank. Genin are pretty much evenly matched. Skills can vary within the chuunin rank. Not wildly so but there is the whole range of above-genin to bellow-jounin chuunin. Jounin, on the other hand… There is a big difference between chuunin and jounin. Not all chuunin can become jounin. Among the jounin there are also big differences in levels and skills. Sometimes the difference between two jounin can be as great as between a chuunin and a jounin.
-How come there is no other rank, then?
-Genin, chuunin and jounin indicate the minimum requirements for each rank. In the case of jounin, progress and achievement vary so much that it would be too difficult to create another rank. Jounin are often specialized so their skills in their specialization can be way above the minimum requirement while other skills might not be. However, in a sense, there is a ranking system. Or rather, there is a classification of the jounin. It usually reflects the type of mission they can take. Jounin usually work alone or they lead chuunin team. The level of a jounin is also assessed by his or her position within the special branch they're part of if it is the case.
-What of the Hokage? Is she a jounin?
-She used to be. Kage is not a rank, though. It is a position. It is also an indication. Once in a while a very strong shinobi will rise to Kage-level without being a Kage. Kage-level shinobi are really powerful; they are in a league all on their own.
-Sounds complex.
-How do you know the rank of others? I mean, you all wear the same uniform, for what I can tell.
-True but in the village we tend to know who is what. And there are also other ways of knowing. Feeling for example.
-Feeling?
-Strong ninjas send a particular vibe. Jounin usually have an air of authority about them. You can also tell by the way they carry themselves. Although not always. It takes a keen eye. And by skills of course.
-Hm.
-So, you're a chuunin?
-I am.
-And Kakashi is a jounin?
-He is. A good one.
-What about Naruto and Sakura?
-Both officially chuunin but they're kind of a special case.
-Oh?
-Sorry, this is not my place to explain." By then, they had all finished their lunch.
"-Iruka, can I be honest with you?
-Of course, Morgan-san.
-Just Derek is fine. All that is nice and well but I still have trouble believing this "ninja" thing.
-I see." Iruka was lost in thoughts for a moment. "I have an idea. And it will fill our afternoon. Come with me."
Iruka led them to the two-story building where Derek and Emily had sparred some time ago. It was now bustling with life. Apparently, several Academy classes were practicing, if the number of children was any indication. Iruka explained as they walked through the building.
"-As you can see, the dojo is usually used by the Academy during the day but it's accessible to the public after hours. There are several types of rooms." As he said so, they entered a room where children were throwing things at circular targets. "This room is for target practice.
-What are they throwing?
-Dulled shuriken. It's like small metal stars that can be used for different purposes." They observed the children a bit longer. They were young and under the supervision of a man in uniform. The children's aim was not really good. They left the room and passed by two identical others. The next one was a regular dojo. The children – some of whom were from Iruka's class, they noticed – were seated on the floor against the wall while two were in the center. "This is a room for taijutsu practice. Taijutsu is one of the bases of ninja technique. It consists of hand-to-hand combat, either with or without weapon."
The BAU team watched as the two children in the center began to spar. Being pre-genin, they had nothing on the fight between Kakashi and Sakura, but still, the observers were highly surprised. The children' small bodies were fast and strong for children their age. The techniques were still sloppy but seeing children fight like that still made a strong impression. Iruka led them further in the building. They passed several other rooms similar to the dojo, some empty, some used by other groups of lower grade students. They took the stairs to reach the second floor.
"-This floor is usually used by the genin teams and their sensei. The lay-out is basically the same as the first floor. The targets in the target rooms are disposed differently but except from that, there is no major difference. Teams don't necessarily come here to train. It mostly depends on their sensei and the weather." As he explained this, they stopped by the entrance of a dojo. A team of three genin was practicing some katas under the supervision of their jounin sensei. The difference of skills with the Academy students was obvious: the movements were more precise and fluid.
"-Iari-san!" called Iruka.
"-Ah, good afternoon, Umino-san.
-Iruka-sensei!" came the voices of the three children.
"-How is everything going, you three?
-Super fine! We learn cool stuff!
-Good, good." The teacher turned to Iari. "I'm sorry for interrupting your training session.
-It's ok. Do you need anything?
-Actually, yes. I'm here with some guests," he gestured to the BAU team. Iari nodded to greet them, gesture that they returned. "And Tsunade-sama asked me to give them a tour. I was wondering if your students could show them some application of chakra so that they can better understand what it is?
-Hm, sure, I don't see why not but inside I can't show you much.
-That's ok, I might pass by one or two training grounds after that.
-Ok. Well, kids! Let's climb up for our guests. It'll be good practice for you too."
The BAU members' eyes widened: before them the children walked to the walls and then up the walls! Their body horizontal, they simply walked up the walls like it was the ground! And then they walked on the ceiling, upside down! The three children joined in the center of the ceiling and looked down on the visitors, grinning.
"-What the hell?" exclaimed Derek.
"-How? What?" Emily tried to ask.
"-How is that even possible?" asked Spencer. Aaron remained silent, eyes wide open in utter astonishment.
"-Children, why don't you enlighten our guests?
-Hai, sensei! We use chakra!
-We pour chakra into our feet and we stick to the walls and ceiling!
-We can do that too with our hands!" And to illustrate this, the girl put her hands on the ceiling and let herself fall. The BAU members moved to catch her but to their surprise she didn't fall. She remained stuck on the ceiling by her hands, feet dangling, body balancing. She moved her hands and hand-walked a few steps. She then let herself fall on the floor in an elegant and controlled crouch. The boys back-flipped and landed on the ground beside their teammate. The three of them were grinning. Iruka congratulated them. He thanked them and Iari, apologized again for interrupting their training, and moved to leave the room, motioning for the stunned visitors to follow him. As they left, Iari called Iruka back.
"-Umino-san, I think Tenten-san is practicing in the 500 today. And the Jungle is in use, too. It might be interesting for them to see it.
-Ok, sure, good idea. Thank you for the info, Iari-san. Have a nice afternoon!"
Outside of the room, Aaron asked what this was about.
"-The 500?
-Yes, it's another training room, number 500. It's in the chuunin dojo. I was planning to show you but I didn't know if it was in use. It's a good thing that it is."
The teacher led them outside and to another building, 10 minutes away from the first one. It was of similar proportion but had no window. As they entered, Iruka explained.
"-This building is for the chuunin mostly. Sometimes, though, jounin also come. The street-level floor has several rooms and an arsenal. These rooms are mostly used for taijutsu practice and weapon practice. We're not going to enter the rooms: nobody is there so there is nothing to see. Let's go to the upper floor." They took the stairs and arrived in a small room. One of the walls was a reinforced window showing a big room on the other side. A door led to the room, which was the size of the whole building. The five visitors stayed in the small viewing room. On the other side of the window was a young woman. She had brown hair in two loose buns and was wearing a white and red customized yukata. When they entered the small room, she turned toward them and smiled. She came to them, opening the door between the two rooms.
"-Iruka-sensei! Long time no see!
-Hello, Tenten, how are you?
-I'm fine, what about you? Coming for some training?
-I'm good, thanks. No, not today. I'm here to show our guests around. We come from the Small Dojo, Iari-san told me you were here.
-Yes, I've been working on something but it's not perfect yet.
-Do you mind if we watch you?
-Not at all, just don't enter, I don't want to hurt anybody." With that, she closed the door and went to the center of the room.
"-Tenten is an old student of mine. She's a fine jounin, now.
-Do you know what she's working on?
-Not exactly but knowing her, it involves weapons.
-How so?
-She's a weapon specialist. I believe what we're about to see will be interesting. She's about to start."
The BAU turned back to the window, observing. The young woman began a kata that she repeated again and again, each time gaining speed. The movement was fluid and elegant. It reminded them of water. She moved and turned and suddenly something prolonged her movement. The BAU gasped. In her hand was a dagger-like weapon. Where had she pulled it from?
"-Ah. Tenten has weapons everywhere on her. This is a kunai. It's a regular weapon."
She kept on repeating her kata. Suddenly there was a kunai in her other hand. Her movements were fast but not unbelievably so. Kunai kept appearing until she had four in each hand. Her movements changed. Instead of turning on herself, this kata was directed outward. To the astonishment of the BAU members, the kunai flew from her hands but didn't embed themselves on the walls. They kept moving and changing directions! The flying kunai completed her kata! How was it possible? She was directing and controlling her weapons at a distance! She moved elegantly in a dangerous but beautiful dance. It was mesmerizing.
"-Ah, I see she spent time with puppeteers.
-What?
-She's using chakra strings to control her weapons.
-Chakra strings?
-Yes. She expands strings of chakra from her fingers to her weapons, enabling her to move and direct them. I believe this is a defensive technique."
They observed the weapon mistress moving and turning and dancing with the deadly weapons. She was gaining speed. The kunai were making swishing noises, cutting the air around her. Elegant, fluid, beautiful. Deadly.
She was still gaining speed but suddenly two of the kunai broke from the dance and embedded themselves in the wall, penetrating it almost to the handle. Tenten slowed down and brought back the remaining kunai to her hands. She sighed and turned to the window.
"-See, still not perfect!"
Iruka cautiously opened the door.
"-Still impressive. Good work! I'm sure you'll figure it out.
-Oh, I will, I've only been practicing this for a week.
-You're staying?
-Yeah, I want to get it down as soon as possible.
-Ok then. Good luck!
-Thanks! See you around, sensei!"
The teacher smiled and closed the door. He turned to the others.
"-Any question?
-Are we dreaming?
-Ahah, no. Welcome to the world of ninja!" He said, laughing quietly.
"-I can't believe this." Quietly said Derek
"-I know, it can be hard to grasp. But this is our life.
-You can do that too?" asked Emily, incredulous.
"-What she does, no, I can't. Tenten is a very good weapon mistress. Very few people can do what she can do with weapons. But I can walk up walls." He finished jokingly. "Let's go to the Jungle, downstairs.
-What is the Jungle?" Asked Spencer, still unsure what to make of all this. Iruka answered him as they took the stairs back down and another flight still, going underground.
"-The Jungle is the surname of another training room. Here, this way," he said, taking a door labeled Visitors, next to one branded 563 – Trainees only. They walked down a corridor, the left side of which was a long reinforced window. "This is the Jungle. It's a survival and endurance training room, as you can see." On the other side of the window was a huge room. The ground was one story lower than they were. There were obstacles everywhere: ropes, walls, rope ladders, planks, weapons… Four chuunin were jumping and running everywhere, throwing small exploding paint balls at one another. They were using every surface available, sticking here and there with chakra or propelling themselves in the air, turning and landing wherever they wanted or could.
"-Wow.
-This is crazy." Iruka laughed gently at their reaction. They stayed there for a bit longer, then Iruka proposed to continue the tour. As they walked outside, he continued to explain a few things.
"-So, you've seen some applications of chakra. It can also be used to reinforce a punch, a kick or a block in taijutsu. Like I said earlier, taijutsu is hand-to-hand combat. The other two bases of ninja techniques are ninjutsu and genjutsu. Genjutsu is the creation of a sensory illusion. Most of the time, it's visual, but it can also be auditory or, more rarely, olfactory. Auditory genjutsu is usually used to mess with someone's balance. Ninjutsu is the outward application of chakra, in opposition with taijutsu. Ninjutsu is the use of techniques, both offensive and defensive. It usually involves an element: air, water, earth, fire or electricity. We're heading to the training area, now. Hopefully, someone is using one of the chuunin or jounin training grounds.
-There are different training grounds?
-Yes. There are the genin, chuunin and jounin training grounds.
-What's the difference between them?
-Safety and damage. Genin grounds are mostly safe since genin are not really dangerous, at least for other ninjas. Chuunin and jounin grounds are more dangerous. It is forbidden for civilians to enter a training ground without a shinobi of the adequate rank. We, ninja, are nasty fighters. Unless a training ground has been declared cleared, there is always a risk of active traps lying around, even on genin grounds.
-Traps?
-Yes. Some training grounds are especially reserved for trap training. These are mine fields. Not all training grounds can be used for all kinds of training. Heavy ninjutsu sessions can be quite damaging and repairing a training ground takes time.
-We used the training ground 23 yesterday.
-Ah, chuunin. Not too fragile, not heavily booby trapped. What did you use it for?
-We sparred with Kakashi and Sakura.
-Really? That's impressive. They don't allow a lot of people in their training. You're lucky.
-It didn't end really well.
-Sorry to hear that. Well, here we are. Wait for me, please, I'm going to see who is here and if we can watch a bit." Iruka left them at the entrance of the training area.
"-Hotch?
-Morgan?
-Did you see all that?
-Yes. I can hardly believe it but I saw.
-This is fantastic!
-Reid, this is crazy!
-Yes, it is but it's fantastic! Emily, can you imagine! It's unbelievable! I wonder how their body is able to do that! Do you believe that they can use a higher percentage of their brain? Do you think we could that too if we could use it better? I wonder how the chemistry of the brain is balanced. Does the chakra influences the chemistry of the brain of is it the other way around?" Aaron, Derek and Emily watched him with a kind of stunned fascination as he fired dozens of questions, too low and fast for them to really hear. They caught a few words of chemistry and biology but quickly tuned him out. Instead they talked among themselves.
"-How is it even possible? Where are we? Have you ever heard of a place like this?
-No. I don't even know what to think of all this.
-Hotch, who are these people?
-I don't know, Morgan. I'm in the dark just like you.
-Well, no wonder Kakashi and Sakura could keep up with us if they've been doing that their whole life.
-Yeah! Makes me wonder what they're truly capable of.
-Let's not ask questions we don't want to know the answer to.
-Come on, Hotch!
-Yeah, don't tell me you're not a little bit curious, too!
-Think about it! Children, children can walk on the bloody ceiling! What can adults do? You saw that Tenten girl! She was dancing with flying weapons!" Aaron didn't answer her, too lost in his thoughts. They continued to wait on Iruka in silence. He came back to them and led them into different training grounds, each time staying to observe shinobi training in ninjutsu.
After an hour of incredulous observation, the group of five was on its way back to the Academy. The afternoon was giving way to the evening. What they had witnessed at the training ground was crazy. Ninjutsu was even harder to believe than children walking on walls. The two chuunin who had been training were of water and earth element, respectively. They manipulated and controlled the elements in ways that had the BAU gaping and pinching themselves. Slowly they had come to accept that what Sakura and Kakashi had done was not a hallucination, that maybe chakra and ninjas were real. Their questions had slowly subsided and gave way to a silent and resigned observation. Now they were back in Iruka's class room.
"-Ninjas are real." Emily's tone was resigned but the surprise, shock and disbelief weren't completely gone yet.
"-We are." Iruka's tone was quiet and understanding.
"-Wow." After a few more minutes in stunned silence, Aaron addressed Iruka.
"-Iruka, can I ask you a question?
-Of course.
-Yesterday, during training someone came and kneeled before Sakura. What does that mean?
-Did he present something to her?
-Yes, we didn't see clearly but it resembled a ribbon." Iruka sighed.
"-He salute-presented someone's hitai-ate to her. The hitai-ate is what marks us as shinobi of Konoha. It's usually used as a headband. Salute-presenting a hitai-ate is a way to announce someone's death. The salute is only addressed to the deceased's family by the deceased's comrades. It's a mark of profound respect and condolences. I'm sorry to hear that Sakura lost Ren.
-How do you know it was him?
-Like I said, salute-presenting a hitai-ate is reserved for the deceased's family. And I know that Ren was very serious about Sakura. His comrades must have thought that he would have liked for her to have his headband.
-That person had a mask. What does that mean?
-It means that he's an ANBU.
-What is that?
-ANBU is a special branch of our forces. They're the elite and the personal guards of the Hokage. They answer only to her and their commander. Their identity is secret, that's why they use the masks. It is unusual for them to show themselves except when the Hokage summons someone. I'm surprised he allowed you to see him.
-Hm. The elite, uh? So all the jounin are ANBU?
-No. ANBU is a choice. They… handle the difficult business. Not everyone can handle that.
-What are the other special branches?
-I'm not sure I can tell you that, I'm sorry."
The BAU were silent for a few minutes. Spencer looked around him, uncomfortable in this room where children learned too many things. Iruka noticed it.
"-Look, I understand that you're not really comfortable with this but please don't judge us too harshly. We love our children and we try to protect them for as long as possible. But we live in a world that doesn't leave us with much of a choice. This is how we live. And believe me, in Konoha, life is good. Children can have a childhood here. They can grow up and they can be civilians. It is not as bad as you may think it is. In this village, nobody becomes ninja against one's will. You have to understand that being a ninja is not only a job. It's a life style. We never really stop being ninja. We don't stop being ninja when we get back home after a day of work. Being a shinobi means living for our country, for our village, for our children. Our life doesn't belong to us. It belongs to the people of Konoha. It's a 24/7 thing. And it can be taxing. Not everyone can manage that. People retire, people quit but we can never forget. Even if we try, our body won't let us.
-What do you mean?
-Reflexes, senses, it's ingrained in us. I have it easy. I'm an Academy teacher, always have been. I'm no fighter, I'm no spy, I'm no… Others, though, they see and live things that I will probably never see and live. And I'm happy with that. And grateful. Because thanks to them I get to watch children grow. Thanks to those who are better than me, I can live in peace in Konoha. Konoha is not just a place. Sure the village is nice but it is more than just that. Konoha is home. Konoha is peace, it's where it's safe to sleep at night. Being a ninja is not easy but having a place like Konoha where we can come back to makes it worthwhile. And that is what we defend and fight for."
Iruka' speech had the BAU pensive. They quietly thanked him for the day and the tour and bade him goodbye. They left the Academy is a thoughtful mood. They went back to their hostel. On their way, they decided to stop by the noodle bar they'd already frequented a few times, Ichiraku.
They sat down heavily, still silent and lost in thoughts. After a few minutes, they ordered. Derek whispered.
"-So… Ninjas are real.
-Yeah."
Teuchi, having heard the comment, came closer to them as Ayame kept preparing their order.
"-Rough day?
-You can say that.
-Yeah, hard to take it all in, uh?
-Uh?
-I just heard what you said, about ninjas. First time in a hidden village, from what I understood the last time?
-Yes.
-Well, I can certainly understand your shock. Here," the man said, serving them a cup of sake each, "you seem to need it. On the house.
-Thank you.
-Thanks.
-I don't drink.
-It'll do you good, kid.
-Reid, come on, you know you need it." That seems to convince him.
They sipped from their cup.
"-So," asked Emily, "you knew?
-About ninjas? Yeah. Kinda hard not to when you live in a hidden village. Or in any place of mild importance in the Elemental countries, really.
-Are you a ninja?
-Me?! No, no. I'm just a simple ramen chef. But I've been around for a few years now, one might say. and I have a good clientele. Quite a lot of them eat here somewhat regularly.
-So you know them pretty well?
-Well, it's hard to know with them. I wouldn't say I know them all that well, but yeah, more than others, I guess. Ninjas are a special bunch, you know?
-We saw.
-Really?
-We were given a tour.
-Hum. You must have seen some incredible stuff, then.
-Is it not routine, for you, to see that kind of things?
-No. See, ninjas, they tend to keep to themselves. I mean, we see them around and they come here to eat. But they're a secretive bunch of people. How could I explain? Konoha is a hidden village. That means that it's a ninja village. But it was also built for civilians. Actually, it was built mainly for civilians. Shodaime-sama built the village so that we could live in peace, under the protection of the ninjas. At least, that's what I know of it." At some point Ayame placed their order in front of the team and passively joined in on the conversation.
"-So they protect you?
-Among other things, yes. They're not like bodyguards – although they can be hired to be. We can live here because they are here.
-What do they do? I mean, we've seen what they can do but… How does that work with the civilians?
-Oh actually, aside from the occasional customer, we don't interact all that much. I'm not sure what it is they do actually. There are stories but that's about all I know.
-What kind of stories?
-Stories about great feats, great warriors, about legends and what they can do.
-About people of great powers." This time, it was Ayame who was speaking. "Shodaime-sama was said to have been able to create entire forests and fight bijuus. The Sannin, Tsunade-sama's team, is legendary.
-How so?
-They accomplished great prowess during the Second Great War. They fought Hanzo and were elevated to the rank of legends. Tsunade-Hokage-sama was the best medic-nin in the world for a long time.
-Was?
-Ah. Now, Sakura is her equal." The BAU team was surprised by that. Sakura was so young!
"-The White Fang was said to be even stronger than them. Yondaime Hokage-sama defeated the Kyuubi and put an end to the Third Great War.
-Are these people still alive?
-Two of the Sannin still are.
-And the others?
-All dead.
-So it was all in the past? What about now?
-Oh, there are still plenty of powerful ninjas around. Take Kakashi, for example.
-Kakashi?
-Sharingan no Kakashi, the Copy Cat. He is said to have copied over a thousand jutsu. He's one of the best ninjas of the Leaf, ever since he was a kid."
The conversation quieted down. After a few minutes of astonished silence, Teuchi started talking again as Ayame left by a side door.
"-Ninjas… They're an odd group. Like I said, they're quite secretive. We don't know much about their profession. The people I just mentioned, those are the few strong enough that their stories reach us, civilians. But there are a lot that we don't hear about. And then some we wish we hadn't heard about, too. Cruel men, who have done terrible things. Ninjas are capable of incredible feats, both good and bad. They are humans, yes, even if it is sometimes questionable. Don't let yourself forget that. Those here in Konoha, they're good people. I don't care if they have killed. I don't care if they're assassins or weapons of mass destruction, because thanks to them, I got to see my daughter grow up and become a woman and a mother.
-And what a woman she is, old man!" came a new voice from behind, startling everyone. The four behavior analysts turned around and were faced with a grinning Genma. "You know, old man, that was very touching.
-Ah! Genma! Sit and order!"
The ninja did just that, greeting the four customers.
"-Now, where is that beautiful woman?
-What is it to you? Need some babysitting, young lad?" joked Teuchi.
"-Now, now, Teuchi, don't make fun of the trained assassin, I know where you live!"
The easy banter continued as Teuchi prepared his order. The BAU team, tired, paid, said their goodbye and headed back to the hotel. They went to sleep the head swirling with questions and reflections and all kinds of things. What a crazy day.
AN: I know there is no distinction between the two other than the language in cannon but I created one for clarity and the BAU's sake. So yeah, deal with it :p