KONOHA'S BLOODY PRINCE
BY MSTRDANTE
Longest chapter yet. Hell Yeah!
Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto Or Reborn! Only any characters or plotlines I create
"Characters talking to each other"
'Characters thinking to themselves'
"/'Character's exclaiming/thinking technique names"/'
CHAPTER FOUR
Belphegor's test!/Jonin's fight!
Following the events at the Hokage's office, Sakura wasted no time in escorting Belphegor to her apartment building. She showed the paper Tsunade gave her to the owner, an elderly gentleman who's patience was about as thin as his hairline. Belphegor was quickly given an apartment, a shitty one at that no doubt a passive aggressive move by the owner for having to give it away for free.
Belphegor's apartment was situated on the top floor of the building the third floor. His apartment was lacking any windows of course, can't giveaway a view for free after all. Sakura's apartment was on the first floor which she told Belphegor after dropping him of at his new place.
Waking up in total darkness; cause once again no windows, Belphegor quickly gets ready for his day. After showering he is, unfortunatelyforced to change back into the same clothes he wore yesterday. 'Tsunade said they were going to test my abilities today. As a Prince, surely I'll ace whatever test she comes up with.' Belphegor thinks grinning cockily as he gets prepared, his next thought makes his grin grow even bigger. 'I hope Sakura's there to watch my performance!'
Belphegor shakes the thought away when he hears a knock at the door. Opening the door Belphegor's surprised when he's greeted by the disgruntled face of he apartment owner. "I was told by the Hokage to prepare you breakfest, so here you go!"
Throwing Belphegor a medium sized paper bag, the old man is quick to slam the door in his face. Sweat rolls down the back of Belphegor's face following the interaction. Looking inside the bag Belphegor finds two decent looking sandwiches.
Taking out the plastic wrapped sandwiches, Belphegor finds one poor looking apple underneath them. Starting with the apple Belphegor quickly finishes his breakfast just in time for the second knock at his door. Once again opening his door only this time it's Sakura at his door.
Greeting him with a grin Sakura informs she's escorting him to where he'll be tested. With his excitement for the test doubled Belphegor quickly follows her out. "You're a much better surprise than the last person to show up at my door Sakura-Chan, believe me."
Sakura giggles in response to Belphegor's compliment, giving Belphegor a knowing look as she responds. "I'm sure. Ko-San still sulking over the free apartment I take it?" Belphegor mimics her giggle with one of his own.
"Nailed it in one Sakura-Chan." Belphegor remarks putting his hands on his head. After a few minutes of walking in silence Sakura breaches it with a question.
"So, Belphegor what're you're thoughts about Konoha so far?" Humming in response Belphegor ponders the question before replying.
"Well, as you know I just arrived yesterday. So I haven't seen much of what it has to offer, but if you press me for an opinion; I'd say it seems like a very impressive place."
Sakura's heart swells in pride at Belphegor complimenting her home. "I'm glad you think so, Bel!" Belphegor's ever present smirk widens when she uses his nickname.
Belphegor and Sakura walk together in pleasant silence for about a minute, until Belphegor asks. "So, Sakura-Chan, what's the deal with this test? Like tell me everything you know."
Sakura gives Belphegor a knowing look replying. "Tsunade-Shishou hasn't told me anything. Even if she did, I definitely wouldn't want to spoil the surprise." Belphegor chuckles at her refusal to answer his question.
"Ah, but of course Sakura-Chan. Everyone knows how important surprises are." Belphegor shrugs. 'It's not like it matters after all I am a Prince, which means whatever this test is it's already aced!" With their current discussion dried out, they continue towards their destination in companionable silence .
The location of Belphegor's test is training ground two. Waiting at said training ground is Tsunade and Sarutobi Asuma. Asuma is an experienced shinobi characterized by his spiked back black hair and goatee, his tan skin and brown eyes.
Asuma is dressed in the usual Jonin outfit of a green flak jacket over a dark blue jumpsuit. He's personalized the outfit with a white sash, the Kanji for 'Fire' blazend on it; symbolizing his status as a former member of the Hi No Kuni's Twelve Guardian Shinobi.
His outfit is complete with the standard issue Konoha headband. Asuma as per usual is currently chewing on a cigarette waiting for Belphegor to arrive. 'I wonder what's up with this mystery shinobi I'm supposed to be sparring with?'
Asuma was informed last night by a member of the Anbu that he'd be sparring with a potential addition to Konoha's Shinobi Forces. "From what I've heard about Belphegor he's quite the skilled threat. So I hope you're ready to give him hell Asuma."
Following Tsunade's attempt to get him fired up Asuma took a long drag from his cigarette. "Belphegor huh, so that's the name of the guy I'm going up against? What a strange name." Asuma replies back lazily causing Tsunade to chuckle. "Yeah let's just say that he's not from around here."
"You can say that again Hokage-Sama." Came a chuckling voice from Asuma's left. Turning towards this newcomer to the conversation, Asuma takes in the sight of an unknown person accompanied by Sakura.
"I take it then, that you must be Belphegor-San." Asuma greets Belphegor amicably. The teenage boy smiled widely his eyes hidden behind his blonde bangs. "And that would make you...?" Belphegor questions as to Asuma's identity and his purpose for being here.
Clearing her throat Tsunade draws everyone's attention to her. "Belphegor-San allow me to introduce one of Konoha's most trusted Jonin Shinobi. This is Sarutobi Asuma, he is the son of my predecessor The Sandaime Hokage.
Today you and him will be sparring, your performance will determine the difficulty of the missions I'll assign you." Asuma hones in on Belphegor attempting to discerns how he feels about this news. 'I don't know much about this kid's backstory, but whoever he is he has experience hiding his true emotions behind a smile.'
Judging by his appearance Asuma guesstimates that Belpegor's only about a year or two older than Sakura. 'Taking his talent at hiding his emotions into consideration, he's clearly been through a lot in his young life.'
"Sparring with this guy huh alright, I hope I don't hurt your feelings too much when I demolish you Ah-su-ma!" Belphegor taunts Asuma stretching the syllables of his name out. Asuma laughs away Belphegor's attempt to get under his skin.
Taking the final puff of his cigarette Asuma tosses away the now cigarette bud, turning towards Tsunade respectfully. "I assume we can get this exhibition out of the way now Hokage-Sama?"
Tsunade nods affirmatively to Asuma's question. "Come, Sakura join me over by the trees to give these two space." With that said Tsunade starts towards the trees, Sakura follows after her with a "Hai Shishou" before turning briefly towards Belphegor wishing him "Good luck!"
"Oh and Bel, don't take Asuma-Sensei too lightly he's quite formidable." Belphegor and Asuma send grateful looks to Sakura for the well wish and compliment respectively.
Coming to a stop under the shade of a tall tree, Tsunade addresses the opposing shinobi before turning to address her pupil. "Ok you two, take a second to prepare yourselves then when I say go begin sparring."
Not waiting for their responses Tsunade speaks softly to Sakura as to not be heard by the combatants. "So Sakura, what kind of fighter is Bel?" Regarding her Shishou respectfully Sakura answers her question. "From what I've seen which was pretty limited mind you, Bel is a long range combatant favoring unique throwing knives; knives like I've never seen before he combines them with razor sharp wires for a deadly combo."
Tsunade nods in response grateful for the information provided by her apprentice. 'A long range combatant huh? That'll make this interesting going up against Asuma's close range style. What are the chances that they would both use their own unique knives, I wish I could say I planned it.'
Tapping his feet impatiently Belphegor waits for the go signal. "Alright, Ready, Go!"
Following Tsunade's command, Belphegor watches Asuma pull out two trench knives. Clenching his fists around his knives smirking Asuma brings his left hand up it's index finger making a come and get some motion.
Noticing Asuma's weapons of choice Belphegor's grin threatens to split his face open. 'Oh my, knives. Luccky this is going to be even more fun then I thought. Show me what you've got Asuma Sarutobi!'
Taking Asuma up on his challenge, Belphegor quickly flicks two of his knives at his opponent's head using his right hand. As the knives speed towards Asuma he snaps to the right swaying out of the knives's paths.
After dodging the throwing knives Asuma bursts forward charging Belphegor, his hands raised defensively in a classic boxing stance. As he thunders towards his opponent Asuma habitually sways towards his left only to recoil back to the right.
Halting his advance briefly Asuma's eyes widen when, he takes in the sight of blood seeping from two separate gashes on his left arm. As Belphegor's knives finish their flight they pierce a tree behind Asuma, he impact of which causes the wires connected to them to shake resulting in light shining off of them.
Following Asuma's eyes Belphegor realizes that Asuma understands his trick. 'Observant, lesser man don't catch on until it's far too late.' Studying Asuma's face Belphegor observes him speedily assess his situation and come up with a new plan of attack.
Asuma's face returns to its neutral focus milliseconds before he bursts to right at incredible speed. Belphegor can hear the sound of the Asuma's body breaking through the sound barrier. In less than seconds Asuma's standing to the left of Belphegor.
With strong step forward with his right foot and a pivet of his hips to the right, Asuma sends a left hook at Belphegor's head with the speed and force to take it off his shoulders. Belphegor having anticpated the attack following Asuma's sideways blitz uses his left hand to lob a knive at his attacker's head.
The knife millimeters from piercing his left eye causes Asuma to withdraw his punch. Snapping to his left Asuma's sways with his head tucked low, speedily ducking underneath the wire Belphegor had set up with his earlier throw.
Completing his full speed side sway Asuma finds himself situated behind Belphegor. Planting his left foot forward, Asuma follows through snapping his right leg forward; a knee strike flying towards the center of Belphegor's back. In order to dodge the incoming blow Belphegor makes a low dive forward landing in a roll.
In his crouched stance and with his back to Asuma, Belphegor brings his hands at blinding speeds to the center of his torso obscuring them from Asuma's vision. In the same blinding motion that he brought his hands forward Belphegor draws fourteen knives, seven in each hand and lights them up with his vibrant red Storm Flames.
With his blindingly fast attack preparation finished Belphegor swivels around snapping his knives towards Asuma. Eyes widening at the sight of the flaming knives speeding towards his legs, Asuma deftly leaps over the projectiles.
Not forgetting about the wires Asuma quickly swipes his right knife downwards, to the surprise of Belphegor easily cutting threw the wires. Landing safely on top of the now limp and cut wires Asuma let's out a relieved breath.
Belphegor's eyes widen slightly. 'He cut threw the special wires Mammon bought me for my birthday. Not even the knife Sqaulo got me could do that. What are his knives made of?'
"Incredible!" Sakura breathes out watching on in amazement. "I knew Belphegor was good, but I had no idea he was this good! He's really pushing Asuma-Sensei hard." Tsunade nods along in agreement of her apprentices statement.
"Yes, I understood when you said that he came to your rescue that he must be skilled. That is after all why I decided to pit him against a Jonin, however I definitely expected Asuma to be in control much more than he is." '
Bel might not be exaggerating, when he says that him being a prince means he's better than everyone else.' Sakura thinks to herself reappraisng her thoughts on Belphegor's 'Prince' talk.
Tsunade's eyes narrow in appraisal of the spectacle before her. When Belphegor's had his back turned to Asuma, Tsunade noticed his ring light with red flames the same time his knives did. While Belphegor didn't understand how Asuma cut his wires, Tsunade understood it was due to Asuma funneling wind chakra through his chakra blade.
Tsunade smirks in satisfaction. "It seems I was absolutely correct in giving Belphegor an opportunity to work for Konoha. He has the potential to be a tremendous assest!" Tsunade's smugness radiates from around her. 'Shishou's right, Bel's absolutely amazing.'
'What was with that fire? I've never seen fire that shade of red. Not the mention the vibe the flames were giving off, definitely wasn't your run of the mill Ninjutsu.'
Preparing to charge Asuma is beaten to the punch when Belphegor bursts to his right. As Belphegor darts from his position he sends three knives hurtling towards Asuma. Speeding around and circling Asuma Belphegor continuously throws knifes after knives at Asuma.
Understanding that Belphegor wanted him to dodge the knives so he could set up a wire trap. Asuma uses his trench knives to knock the incoming blades out of the way. After a completing three quarters of a circle Belphegor crouches down low.
As Belphegor crouches he waves his hands and fingers around as if he's leading an orchestra. As he waves his fingers light gleams of wires coming from his fingers. As a result of Belphegor's movements, the knives surrounding Asuma's feet rise up. The knives float in the air aiming at Asuma's upper torso.
With an inwards flourish of his hands Belphegor causes the knives to converge on Asuma. In response to the attack Asuma snaps down to a prone position. With his open palms against the grass, Asuma hears the knives pass through the air where his torso was just a moment ago.
Rolling to his right Asuma rises to his feet before charging. 'Can't afford to give this kid time to think!' Batting away the knives Belphegor threw at him defensively with his left hand. Asuma barrels towards him before driving his right hand full force into Belphegor's gut.
The air distorts around Asuma's fist as it makes contact, bile shooting out of Belphegor's mouth. Asuma follows up the gut punch with a left hook at Belphegor's face. Seeing the hook coming but still reeling from the gut punch, Belphegor lunges backwards aiming to dodge the attack.
Belphegor succeeds in avoiding the full impact of Asuma's punch but receives a cut on his cheek courtesy of Asuma's knife. After his cheek is sliced Belphegor spins around to the left as Asuma steps forward with his right foot. As Belphegor finishes his spin Asuma's thrusts his left foot forward, barreling his right fist straight into Belphegor's left cheek.
The impact of Asuma's massive right hook sends Belphegor spiraling through the air. As Belphegor spins hurtling backwards through the air he kicks his legs, the change in momentum causes him to course correct in midair; skillfully landing on his feet as his boots skid through the dirt.
After Belphegor finishes sliding back he takes a few steps to right himself. Belphegor hunches over as blood pools from the wounds on his cheeks. As Belphegor recovers from Asuma's attack, Asuma takes a second to catch his breath before calling out to Belphegor. "You doing alright over there Belphegor?"
Tsunade watches on as Asuma takes control of the fight. 'Their physical abilities don't seem too far apart. Unfortunately for Belphegor however Asuma's been at this for a time longer than him.' Briefly turning away from the fight to look at Sakura. Tsunade notices her apprentice's earlier amazement had shifted to worry for her new friend.
Smirking Tsunade returns her eyes to the fight before commenting. "That was quite the combination by Asuma." Sakura's eyes flicker to her Shishou briefly before returning to Belphegor. "Yeah, I almost can't believe that Bel's still standing."
Belphegor stand there hunched over in pain following Asuma's combination of punches. As blood drips down from his face to the ground, he raises his right hand to his face. Touching his left cheek causes his hand to become soaked.
Lowering his hand into his line of sight Belphegor stares at his own blood. 'My blood?' As the blood dripped from his hand, memories of that fateful day he 'killed' his family flashed through his head. The 'lifeless' bodies of his brother and his parents were preeminent images in his mind.
'Shi Shi Shi Shi Shi' Belphegor's broken laughter reverberates throughout out the training field. "You've spilled my blood Asuma-San, my Royal blood. How unlucky for you!" Following his declaration Belphegor let's out one last disturbed cackle before making his move.
At lightning fast speeds, faster than anything he showed earlier in the fight; Belphegor throws three s
Storm Flame charged knives at Asuma. Immediately after throwing the knives, Belphegor speeds after them right behind them charging Asuma's position.
The increase in speed and aggression catches Asuma off guard, he just barely gets his wind chakra blades up in time to deflect the oncoming blades. But Belphegor was right on him drawing the knife Sqaulo gave him for his birthday with his right hand.
Aiming for Asuma's right eye Belphegor thrusts forward with his right hand. Millimeters from it's target Asuma manages to lean his head slightly to the left. Blood seeps from the gash Belphegor's blade leaves as it slices through the flesh next to Asuma's right eye.
Determined to win and make Asuma bleed, Belphegor continues on offense following the thrust up with a flurry of slashes and thrusts. Advancing forward as he does so,Belphegor forces Asuma to retreat backwards.
For every thrust he dodges left or right, while for every slash Asuma either dodges backwards or parries with his knives. As Asuma parries, Belphegor channels his storm flames through his knife in order to properly clash with Asuma's knives.
Dodges left, dodges right, parries, parries, parries, dodges backwards, dodges backwards and parries again. For a time every attack Asuma either dodges or parries until eventually Belphegor's relentless storm of attacks wears Asuma down.
Every couple of attacks Asuma is either too slow to dodge or too slow to parry. Shallow cuts and shallow stab wounds start to cover Asuma's torso. Blood slowly but surely seeps from wounds all over his upper body.
Belphegor's usually high confidence is at an all time high as he turns Asuma's chest red. Watching Asuma's face contort in both pain and frustration, Belphegor is less than surprised when in a burst of energy Asuma leaps backwards.
Seeing his opponent create distance between them, Belphegor once again hurls Flame covered knives at Asuma; channeling Dying Will Flames to his feet to run just behind his knives flying towards Asuma. However this time Asuma is prepared, swinging his left knife at the oncoming blades; some kind of invisible distance attack clashes with Belphegor's knifes deflecting them.
Deflecting the knifes while they were farther away gives Asuma enough time to intercept Belphegor's thrust attack. Putting his hands up into his classic boxer stance, Asuma throws his arms together; trapping Belphegor's right arm between his arched arms.
Belphegor attempts to pull his arm free from the trap to no avail. Seeing Belphegor squirm, Asuma twists his torso in and to the right pulling Belphegor forward making him lose his balance. In that same motion Asuma lifts his left foot before slamming Belphegor's gut with a sideways thrust kick.
As Asuma's kick makes contact he let's go of Belphegor's arm. Taking advantage of his blade arm now being free. Belphegor swings his knife cutting Asuma's leg. The impact of Asuma's kick sends Belphegor hurtling backwards.
As Belphegor flies backwards he collects ten Storm Flame covered knives in his hands. Immediately upon landing on his feet Belphegor let's the knives loose, ten knives flying in a giant line heading towards Asuma's lower body.
In order to avoid dismemberment Asuma leaps into the air in a backflip motion. Seeing Asuma's decision Belphegor's grin threatens to split his face. Asuma unknowingly just played right into Belphegor's plan.
Manipulating the wires attached to the knives, Belphegor clenches his fist Belphegor raising them up and throwing them down. As a result of Belphegor's movements the knives change direction before they whirl past Asuma's shadow.
Now pointing skywards the knives change formation from one giant line of ten to two separate lines of five. Instead of cutting Asuma in half the Flame covered knives slash up and down Asuma's limbs. Asuma screams as the knives make contact both cutting through and burning his flesh.
The power from Asuma's leap allows him to complete the backflip motion. The pain however prevents Asuma from landing on his feet, he lands on his knees and elbows instead.
Hunched over in pain with Storm Flames emanating from various wounds on his person Asuma is the picture of defeated. Approaching Asuma's crumpled form Belphegor is certain of his victory.
Tsunade and Sakura look on at scene in front of them with surprise painting their features. Neither of them expected someone of Belphegor's age to be capable taking Asuma to the limit.
"Has Belphegor done it Shishou has he actually beaten Asuma-Sensei?" 'Not quite Sakura.' Turning to give her apprentice a knowing grin Tsunade simply says. "Just keep watching."
'Damn this fucking hurts! Just a little longer... I need Belphegor to come just a little bit closer.'
Asuma was hunching over playing a little bit of possum. Not that he's not in an incredible of pain, even so Asuma could go on for quite a bit longer if neccessary.
But even if he could, Asuma has no intention of dealing with this pain for too much longer. While he's been playing possum Asuma has been focusing his chakra into his right hand. 'Just a few more steps... NOW!'
Just as Belphegor's footsteps came to a stop right in front of him, Asuma leaps to his feet smashing his fist into Belphegor's cheek with the strongest right hook of his life thus far.
As opposed to Asuma's last right hook this latest one is angled down. Instead of being flown backwards through the air Belphegor is driven straight into the ground behind him.
A loud slam reverberates throughout the clearing as Belphegor's upper back and neck crash into the ground. Following impact Belphegor rolls backwards several times. Ending up on his knees Belphegor's upper body slumps over on the ground.
Following his punch Asuma drops down to his knees while the flames on his limbs dissipate. Raising his eyes up from the ground Belphegor comes into Asuma's vision. Expecting to see an unmoving Belphegor Asuma is surprised to see Belphegor's upper body slowly sitting up.
Sitting up fully with his arms limp and a wild grin on his face, Belphegor's eyes stare down Asuma from behind his bangs. "Wow Asuma-San! This game is getting super entertaining I hope you can keep going."
With his piece said Belphegor raises both his hands up particularly the right one. With Belphegor's hands raised. For the for fight time in the fight, Asuma could see clearly the red flames emanating from the ring on Belphegor's right hand.
Before Asuma can respond the sound of Tsunade's voice interrupts their conversation. "That's it you two no more fighting!" To Belphegor's visible disappointment and Asuma's internal relief Tsunade calls the exhibition to an end.
"Belphegor!" Sakura calls out to her new friend following the conclusion of his spar. Sakura runs up to Belphegor and by the time she gets there, he relaxes his posture and the flames dissapear from his ring. "That was incredible you did way better than I expected!"
Chuckling at her compliment Belphegor replies. "Better than you expected huh... well Sakura-Chan what exactly did you expect? I am a Prince after all." Giggling at his comeback she replies.
"Oh yes, of course! How could I forget? How silly of me." 'Cough' 'Cough' The sound Asuma's fake coughs draw Sakura's and Belphegor's attention to him. Turning towards Asuma she see her mentor healing his injuries, promting her to turn around and do the same for Belphegor.
While she does so Asuma starts up a conversation with Belphegor. "Holy Shit Kid! You've certainly impressed me you're way stronger than I was at your age." Belphegor weakly chuckles in response as Sakura finishes up healing his cheeks.
Before he responds to Asuma Belphegor turns to Sakura with surprise painted on his face. "Damn Sakura-Chan, I'm all healed! And you didn't even have to grow out my hair, impressive!"
Sakura feels pride at the compliment before she raises an eyebrow at the hair comment. Before she could question him about it however he turns to address Asuma. "Hey thanks for the compliment! not that it came as a surprise mind you."
Belphegor calls back before mumbling the last part to himself with Sakura barely picking up on it. Sakura rolls her eyes at the comment. Continuing to address Asuma Belphegor says. "Don't sell yourself too short. You're quite the impressive shinobi if I do say so myself!"
With her healing of Belphegor complete Sakura rises, out of the corner of her eyes she notices Tsunade doing the same. "Ah well I wouldn't go quite that far... but I get by." Asuma nonchalantly brushes of the compliment.
"Alright you two, you can bond later but right now we need to get this business out of the way; so I can get back to doing my job." Tsunade cuts to the point as she starts walking towards Sakura and Belphegor. In response to seeing her mentor approach Sakura bends over and helps Belphegor stand.
With Belphegor now standing Sakura takes a few steps away so he and Tsunade can discuss business. "Well Hokage-Sama, is is safe to say I passed this little test of yours?" Belphegor poses his question with the upmost confidence.
Tsunade smirks at cockiness in his voice. "This wasn't a pass or fail kind of test. This was an evaluation of your skills so I can decide what level of missions to assign you."
Belphegor tilts his head, grinning at Tsunade's response his body language saying 'And?'.
"And! You did better than expected so, you can definitely expect to receive a good amount of difficult assignments." Tsunade explains her evaluation of Belphegor's performance. Her appraisal clearly reinforces Belphegor's already impressive ego, Sakura could tell by the way it makes him bounce.
"Now listen, you overly cocky brat; it's time you can Sakura scram. Me and Asuma have business to discuss in private." The tone of Tsunade's dismissal left no room for any response but 'yes'. Belphegor shows no signs of having picked up on that fact when he clearly prepares to make a snarky remark.
Before Belphegor can sign his own death warrant Sakura interrupts. "Of course Shishou! Follow me Bel, after all I'm sure after that performance that you've worked up quite the appetite. And I just so happen to know the perfect place for an after-training meal."
Belphegor frowns at being interrupted but quickly shakes it off and makes to follow Sakura. When Belphegor steps next to Sakura, she reaches out and grabs his arm; Belphegor in hand Sakura bows to the Hokage forcing Belphegor to do the same.
"Hai Hokage-Sama, thank you!" After getting the due respect for her mentor out of the way, Sakura still with a hold on Belphegor makes her way out of the training field. Understanding what just happened Belphegor waves goodbye while still walking. "See you later Tsunade, Asuma-San!"
To Sakura's utter shock and horror Belphegor disrespects Tsunade, calling her by name with no honorific. In response to Belphegor's stupidity Sakura steps up the pace in their exit.
"You idiot! What the hell were you thinking addressing Tsunade-Shishou like that?" Sakura berates Belphegor now that they're away and making their way back into the main part of the village.
Belphegor rolls his eyes at Sakura's concerned anger. "C'mon Sakura-Chan, it doesn't take a genius, which I am by the way, to figure out that Tsunade clearly likes me." Sakura responds to Belphegor's statement with a disbelieving expression.
"Again, You Idiot! That's not the point. I've seen shinobi end up in the hospital after disrespecting Shishou like that." Against Belphegor's will, Xanxus flashes through his mind causing him to shiver. "Maybe, Sakura-Chan's right, I won't call Tsunade by name anymore Just to be safe."
Belphegor nods his head at Sakura in acceptance. "Alright. I'll head your warning, for now!" Sakura's posture relaxes, relieved until she hears the second part of Belphegor's sentence. "No! Not 'for now' for for-freaking-ever!" Belphegor cackles in response.
"Not that I don't already have an Idea but what's your opinion of the kid?" Tsunade asks Asuma who's leaning against a tree lightning a cigarette. "Well... you certainly don't need me to tell you how skilled the kid is..."
Taking a long puff from his cigarette Asuma takes the time to put together the rest of his thoughts. "I don't get the feeling that he has ulterior motives for wanting to join us; but he's definitely not completely stable.
Then again..." Taking another puff Asuma adds. "How many of us hired killers really are?" Tsunade let's out a mirthless chuckle at that. "And I've never seen Fire Style quite like what he was doing before. From what I gathered the red flames seem to originate from that ring of his."
Asuma gives Tsunade a questioning look, left eyebrow raised. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about it, would you Hokage-Sama?" Tsunade levels Asuma with an appraising look.
"Specifics, no. What I do know is that Belphegor's not from around these parts." Asuma laughs at the obviousness of the statement. "I could have told you that."
Tsunade smirks rolling her eyes. "What I really need to know Asuma is, do you think he'll be able to adjust to our way of doing things and; if the answer is yes how would you feel about joining him on his first mission?"
Taking a deep breath, this time without the cigarette, Asuma gives some serious thought before answering. "If I had to choose, I don't see why he wouldn't make a fine Konoha shinobi. On the topic of working with him... I don't see why not, I kind of like him."
"Me too Asuma... me too!" Tsunade replies as she and Asuma chuckle together.
"So this is the place your taking me?" Belphegor asks Sakura as they come to stop near a restaurant with a blue banner. "Yup, this is my favorite restaurant in all of Konoha. I don't know your opinion on sweets, but if your anything like me then; your gonna wanna order some cause they have the best sweets here in all of Konoha."
Belphegor sends Sakura a blinding grin. "Sweets huh, don't you know that sweets are the food of royalty?" Sakura giggles smirking at Belphegor. "I knew there was some reason I liked you."
Over the course of their meal Sakura asks Belphegor a series of questions about his abilities. "Your pretty good with knives Bel, who taught you." Belphegor turns towards Sakura and even with his eyes covered by his bangs Sakura could tell that he was staring at her like she's an idiot.
"Who taught me... are you kidding me? I'm a Prince I taught myself." Belphegor replies, his words implying defensiveness his tone however is that of confusion. "Oh of course, how silly of me."
Sakura replies rolling her eyes moving on from that topic. "What's up with those red flames you were using against Asuma-Sensei, I've never seen fire style like that; is it a Kekkai Genkai or is it less to do with you and more to do with your ring?"
Belphegor tilts his head at the phrase 'Kekkai Genkai'. "Kekkai Genkai? No my bloodline has nothing to do with it. They're called Dying Will Flames and where I come from everyone possesses them, though not everyone has the talent for using them like I do."
Belphegor explains before raising up his Varia ring and showing it to Sakura. "My ring is simply a vessel for helping me control them." Understanding dawns on Sakura's face as Belphegor's explanation.
"Oh so these Dying Will Flames are for you, like what chakra is for us Shinobi." At that Belphegor again looks at Sakura strangely, tapping his plate with his chopsticks. "You know you say that like you expect me to understand... but I don't think you've ever explained this 'chakra' to me before."
As Belphegor points out her logical error Sakura's eyes widen, before she palms her forehead in embarrassment. "I'm sorry! You're right I didn't think about that. Chakra's something everyone possesses... or at least everyone in this world possesses."
Belphegor nods along taking in the explanation with his full attention. "It's a combination of physical and spiritual energies. It flows through our bodies chakra network, which is just as vital and intertwined with our vascular system. Channeling our chakra gives us access to special abilities called Jutsu. Some examples being the Earth Sytle Jutsu that bandit leader was using, or my Medical Ninjutsu."
Understanding dawns easily on Belphegor. "Or like what Asuma was doing with those invisible blades coming from his knives." Sakura smiles at his understandings. "Yup, that was Asuma-Sensei's Wind Style."
Belphegor freezes at that information. 'Wind Style huh, wind comes from storms and he uses knives also; no wonder I liked that guy.' "Hey Belphegor I've been meaning to ask you... when I healed you, you made a comment about your hair not growing. What exactly did you mean by that?"
Sakura's question interrupts Belphegor's thought process. "Oh that, well my Flame are classified as Storm Flames and they posses a trait of disassembly. Meaning my Flames disassemble something at it's cellular level."
Belphegor explains as Sakura listens intently, momentarily forgetting about her food. "My friend Lussuria was my team's healer. He healed using his Sun Class Flames which have an active factor, meaning it activates the cells in something or another way of saying it, is that it makes cells stronger."
Belphegor takes a sip from his water cup before continuing. "In order to heal us Lussuria uses his Flames on our cells that are responsible for our natural healing." Sakura's face lights up with realization.
"Thus making said cells stronger and increasing the rate of your healing." Sakura finishes his explanation Belphegor nods at her unperturbed by the interruption. "Exactly, however Luss's healing had an area of effect that targeted more than just the cells in your wounds. Namely the cells responsible for hair growth... and nail growth."
Sakura breaks into a fit of laughter at that. "Are you kidding? That's ridiculous, and I take it you've been on the receiving end of this before." Belphegor scoffs at her 'incorrect' assumption. "Of course not, I've never needed Luss's healing before I am a Prince after all."
Sakura snorts a disbelieving expression on her face. "Right, Right just like I didn't have to heal you after your spar with Asuma-Sensei yeah?" Belphegor smirks at her. "Exactly!" Sakura rolls her eyes as her and Belphegor go back to eating their food in silence.
Just as Belphegor finishes his plate, him and Sakura hear a voice teasingly address them from just to the side of their table. "Oh and what do we have here, on a date with your new boyfriend Sa-ku-ra?"
End.