Dating Anko was a bit of a challenge, since I had a jam-packed schedule and she regularly took B-rank missions that took her out of the village when Ibiki didn't need her help breaking a new intake at T&I. But luckily, I could be in 2 or more places at once. I had a Kage Bunshin with her every hour of the day. When she asked for privacy, I gave it, but otherwise a version of me was basically her shadow.
It occurred to me we should have a way of staying in touch even when life and necessity forced us apart. I developed a simple enough seal, a pair of linked tattoos around our wrists. Simply put, if she channeled chakra through hers I would feel it in my seal. I also would get a sense of her general location and vice versa. We soon worked out how to use Morse code to send each other messages through the seals. Hiruzen asked if I could expand on it to make an instantaneous communication network for every Konoha-nin, but I had to shoot him down. The seal would get exponentially more complex for every other anchor point added to the network. It was a walkie-talkie between 2 individuals only, maybe 3 or even 4 if I strained my mental muscles and understanding of Fuinjutsu to the max. He nodded, but I could tell he was banking the idea for later, once I was more proficient in Fuinjutsu.
Anko wasn't the most liked kunoichi, more than a few idiots holding Orochimaru's betrayal against her. When it got out she was in a relationship with an 11 year old, albeit a Genin and the Hokage's apprentice, it got worse. But Anko assured me she was a big girl and could handle it. Still, I kept a mental shit list of everyone who insulted her when we were out on dates. Naruto hadn't developed into a compulsive prankster for attention, but maybe he'd have fun dealing with those jerks. I could tell him it was training, that would get him behind it 100%.
In good news both for sexy fun time and my grinding, turns out Anko knew a few Hentai Ninjutsu and could legally get her hands on the Jutsu scrolls for the rest in Konoha's arsenal. Fun was had by her and my Kage Bunshin as I worked on leveling them up. It occurred to me I might be developing a sex addiction given I had it so often I could set my clock to it, but so long as I was functioning… hey, Kakashi had his dirty literature and Jiraiya outright peeped and rented whores. I could be excused for indulging in the real thing with my girlfriend and my Kage Bunshin.
Aside from my love life, life was good. I had friends I saw once a week or more on Sundays and sometimes the day Hiruzen took off. I was steadily leveling all my Skills and Attributes and making new ones. My spy network of Kage Bunshin was coming along nicely, and I was learning so much in our daily meetings in my mindscape about this new world I'd been reborn in. Each Kage Bunshin had tried to get a job the others hadn't gotten to first in each town and city. I was learning how to be a farmer, a tailor, a fisherman, an actor, you name it, I was doing it.
I had met all 12 Monkey princes at this point and also expanded my list of available summons to some of the minor Monkeys. I had only defeated Taizan, Henjyou, and Toshi at this point, and I hadn't even attempted to summon Enma yet. Still, I had sparred with all of them and learned what they specialized in.
Taizan, as I'd observed when we first met, was like a samurai, and specialized in Kenjutsu. He was the second son.
Henjyou was a Monkey of few words, and specialized in Genjutsu. He was the eleventh son.
Toshi was like a Monkey version of Naruto, all bubbly and bright and friendly. He specialized in non-elemental Ninjutsu. He was the fifth son.
Shinkou was a bulked-up Monkey on the verge of being a gorilla. He specialized in Taijutsu and was the first son.
Shokou was as lazy as a Nara. He specialized in Earth Ninjutsu and was the third son.
Soutei was a compulsive gambler. He specialized in Fuinjutsu and was the fourth son.
Gokan was a total yandere, he seemed nice but he had a hair-trigger temper. If you pissed him off, he'd go crazy and start throwing everything and the kitchen sink at you. He specialized in ranged weapons and was the sixth son.
Byoudou was sweet, and my gaydar gave a serious ping with him. He specialized in Fire Ninjutsu and was the seventh son.
Gotoutenrin was boring, there was no other way to put it. He could make the Third Shinobi War sound as dull as lint. He specialized in Lightning Ninjutsu and was the eighth son.
Renjou was standoffish, but once he decided he liked you he was okay. Like that one bitch friend every girl seems to have. He specialized in blunt weapons like the bo or club and was the ninth son.
Bakku talked a mile a minute. He specialized in Wind Ninjutsu and was the tenth son.
Last but not least, Jion was a dancer, and he took it very seriously as an art form. He specialized in Water Ninjutsu and was the twelfth son.
I had also summoned Tara, Enma's wife and the princes' mother. She was chubby and was the single most domestic creature I'd ever met. She insisted on redecorating my new house when she'd seen it, saying the feng shui was way out of alignment and making me the single most delicious meal of my life while I followed her instructions.
I was currently sparring with Renjou as Hiruzen watched, fighting bo to kanabo. I had been working on something with Gai, and I decided to use it. I opened the First Gate, and used my surge of chakra, Strength, and Dexterity to outmatch Renjou and disarm him before stopping my bo an inch from caving in his skull.
"Hoho! Not bad, brat! Guess you finally managed to win against me," the Monkey prince chuckled.
[Quest Complete! Barrel of Monkeys (Renjou)! Beat a Monkey Prince! +3000 EXP, Bojutsu Battler Perk.]
[Level Up!]
[You have reached Level 60! +1 Blessing Point, +1 Party Slot.]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 60
EXP: 175/6000
HP: 4830/4830
SP: 3215/3215
CP: 2075200/2075200
Attributes:
STR: 325
DEX: 318
VIT: 483
INT: 333
WIS: 321
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 15
Available Perk points: 1
Available Blessing points: 1
[Perk: Bojutsu Battler
You know your way around a staff. Bojutsu-based Skills are increased 20%.]
Oh, sweet mother of God. I could have a Party member. I could spread the Gamer to another person. I bowed to Renjou and dismissed him before turning to Hiruzen.
"Kichirou-kun? What's with that look?" he asked, tilting his head.
"Invite Hiruzen to Party," I said out loud.
He blinked. "Is this one of those screens you told me about?" he asked, looking into thin air as far as I could tell.
"Think 'yes' and let your world expand," I grinned.
[Sarutobi Hiruzen has joined Party!]
Status
Name: Sarutobi Hiruzen
Title: The Professor, God of Shinobi
Occupation: Third Hokage of Konohagakure
Class: Monk, Ninjutsu Specialist
Level: 121
EXP: 4750/12100
HP: 3850/3850
SP: 2450/2450
CP: 2003200/2003200
Attributes:
STR: 459
DEX: 521
VIT: 670
INT: 721
WIS: 803
LUK: 179
I frowned. "You must have some Curse halving your Health and Stamina."
"Chakra too. It's called 'Geriatric'," Hiruzen said, his eyes flickering as he read screens only he could see. "To see every aspect of my power so clearly defined in front of me… it is strangely both empowering and humbling. I understand myself better now that I'm seeing all this, but to see all my hard-earned skill and experience reduced to number values…"
"You get used to it," I offered. "Here's the thing, do you have Gamer's Mind and Gamer's Body? An Inventory?"
"Yes to all 3," Hiruzen nodded after a minute.
"Then you don't have to sleep anymore," I grinned. "You can actually train again. And let me take a look, I got a Blessing point and there might be something that can help you." I pulled up my 'Blessing' page and looked at all the ones available. I grinned when I saw something that was perfect. I didn't even think about it, I spent my Blessing point on it.
[Blessing: Cursebreaker
Sacrifice a Blessing point to remove a Curse on yourself or a Party member. Free use upon acquiring.]
I focused on Hiruzen and on removing the Geriatric Curse.
Status
Name: Sarutobi Hiruzen
Title: The Professor, God of Shinobi
Occupation: Third Hokage of Konohagakure
Class: Monk, Ninjutsu Specialist
Level: 121
EXP: 4750/12100
HP: 6700/6700
SP: 4900/4900
CP: 4006400/4006400
Attributes:
STR: 459
DEX: 521
VIT: 670
INT: 721
WIS: 803
LUK: 179
Hiruzen gasped. "I… I feel like a new man!"
"Literally twice the man you were a second ago. In terms of Health, Stamina, and Chakra, you're back in your prime," I grinned in triumph.
Hiruzen burst out in laughter. "I almost wish I could go on a mission! I can't wait to test myself out against an opponent! Kakashi could do with some reminding to be on time for once."
I left Hiruzen to enjoy his newly Curse-free existence and focused on my own 'Status'.
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 60
EXP: 175/6000
HP: 4850/4850
SP: 3250/3250
CP: 2096000/2096000
Attributes:
STR: 325
DEX: 325
VIT: 485
INT: 333
WIS: 327
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
Available Blessing points: 0
[Perk: Relationship Meter
See how people feel about you as a person. From -100 to 100. -100 means they would destroy the world just to take you with it. 0 means a total stranger who has never heard anything about you. 100 is the kind of love that transcends death itself.]
"Feel like testing yourself out against little old me?" I asked Hiruzen once I dismissed all the screens.
He gave me a smile that was more baring his teeth. "Come at me, young pup. This old dog can teach you some new tricks."
I got crushed. Hard. But we both had fun.
I used Shunshin to get back to my house in the Uchiha District, which I had spent half my bounty from Raiga purchasing from Sasuke and about another third on all the renovations and redecorating. But it was a lovely home, with the Tara seal of approval which really meant something (believe me). I could see myself growing old and raising kids in this house. And if sometimes visions of those kids had them with familiar heads of purple hair… well, I was in love, what can I say?
I went to shower after getting trounced by Hiruzen before starting my evening training. As the hot water fell on my head, I got a message from Anko through the wrist tattoo. She wanted to know if she could come over. I gave the affirmative and didn't bother getting dressed after the shower, only wrapping a towel around my waist.
I was making handmade dango when I felt a warm body with luscious curves and ripe, full breasts press against my back. "My favorite dinner? What do you want from me tonight, lover? Something special?"
"Just wanted to do something you'd like," I replied, looking over my shoulder and getting a peck on the lips from my smiling girlfriend. Idly curious, I used Observe.
Name: Mitarashi Anko
Title: Snake Mistress of Konoha
Occupation: Konohagakure Tokubetsu Jonin
Class: Assassin
Level: 79
EXP: 400/7900
Relationship: 76/100
HP: 2580/2580
SP: 2660/2660
CP: 11120/11120
Attributes:
STR: 215
DEX: 317
VIT: 258
INT: 278
WIS: 302
LUK: 89
The Relationship score was a nice surprise. If a full 100 was as strong as it could get, 76 could easily be considered 'in love' to my mind. Still nuked in terms of CP, I saw. HAD to be the Cursed Seal. I resolved to focus more Kage Bunshin on Fuinjutsu research and experimentation. Though it would help if I knew what I was working with.
"Anko-chan, could you let me look at the Cursed Seal? I know I'm not Hiruzen-sensei or Jiraiya, let alone an Uzumaki master, but I'd still like to see it to try and see if I can help," I asked.
She sighed. "Points for effort, but it's hopeless. Still, I'll never object to getting topless with you. I'll get fully naked just so we're even."
I made a Kage Bunshin to finish the cooking, unwrapped my towel to reveal myself, and watched as Anko got nude. While the Little Kage was certainly interested, I focused. I went around Anko and looked at the 3 tomoe marks not unlike a Sharingan on her neck, encircled by the Evil Sealing Method. It occured to me that I had a method of examination that other Fuinjutsu users didn't. I cast Observe directly on the Cursed Seal of Heaven.
[Cursed Seal of Heaven (Stage 1, Suppressed)
The pinnacle of Orochimaru's Fuinjutsu research. A combination of standard Curse Seal to cause debilitating pain on command and subliminal messaging, a storage seal of an enzyme derived from Juugo's clan that induces Sage Mode naturally, and a Soul Seal containing a soul shard of Orochimaru himself.]
I frowned. Well, life was a Game, at least for me. I focused on my will on the task I wanted to pursue.
[Destroy/Nullify Cursed Seal of Heaven? Y/N]
I thought 'yes' with all my heart.
[Insufficient Level. Fuinjutsu Mastery Level 50 required.]
I immediately pulled up my 'Skills' page and scrolled to Fuinjutsu Mastery. It was at Level 43. Granted, it took longer and longer to level a Skill the higher the level got. But if I dedicated 1000 Kage Bunshin a day to nothing but grinding Fuinjutsu-related Skills and research…
"What's the verdict?" Anko asked.
I wrapped her in my arms and kissed her neck. "Give me 6 months and I'm going to get rid of that fucking thing. Call it my Christmas present for this year."
"Don't play with me, Kichirou-kun. You seriously think–" she protested.
"I do. Trust me. I'm going to get that tattoo removed. I swear on my life," I said into her ear.
She turned in my grip and threw herself at me. We didn't even make it to the bedroom or the couch, she just took me there on the kitchen floor.
Turns out when I'm truly motivated, I can work things lesser people would consider miracles. I reached Level 50 for Fuinjutsu Mastery by mid-November.
[Achievement Unlocked!]
[Achievement: Fuinjutsu Journeyman
You are halfway to mastery of space, time, matter, and chakra with nothing but a brush and some ink. Fuinjutsu Specialist Class, +1 Blessing point.]
[Class: Fuinjutsu Specialist
You're proficient enough in Fuinjutsu to use it mid-combat. Increases speed and decreases cost of Fuinjutsu-based Skills by 20%.]
I stopped what I was doing, which happened to be running around Konoha on my hands with Gai, and raced to where I sensed Anko was through the linking seal. I found her grabbing lunch with a couple friends I noted in the back of my mind were Yuugao, Kurenai, and Hana.
"Kichirou-kun?" she blinked as I barreled through the restaurant to her table.
"I can do it," I told her.
She knew what I meant immediately. She got up and grabbed me before using Shunshin to take us to her apartment. "You sure?" she asked.
"Strip and kneel," I told her even as I made a few Kage Bunshin to move all the nearby furniture out of the way.
"I like your thinking," she chuckled before following my orders. I focused on the Cursed Seal again.
[Destroy/Nullify Cursed Seal of Heaven? Y/N]
As soon as I thought 'yes', I found myself moving on autopilot. I slashed my palm with a kunai and started writing in blood with my index finger. I made a circle of kanji and runic symbols around Anko before creating chains that led up her body and stopped at the Cursed Seal. Then I did a series of hand seals before I charged a good million points of chakra and slapped my glowing palm over the Cursed Seal.
Anko didn't scream, but only because she passed out immediately from the pain. The symbols I'd drawn seemed to come alive and move, burrowing under my palm to reach the Cursed Seal. When they'd all vanished, I hesitantly lifted my palm.
Clear, smooth, unblemished skin.
I used Observe on Anko.
Name: Mitarashi Anko
Title: Snake Mistress of Konoha
Occupation: Konohagakure Tokubetsu Jonin
Class: Assassin
Level: 79
EXP: 2400/7900
Relationship: 81/100
HP: 2580/2580
SP: 2660/2660
CP: 177920/177920
Attributes:
STR: 215
DEX: 317
VIT: 258
INT: 278
WIS: 302
LUK: 89
Sweet success. She had over 10x as much chakra now.
[Quest Complete! Lifting the Curse (Mitarashi Anko)! Remove one of Orochimaru's Cursed Seals! +10000 EXP, Exorcist Perk, +1 Perk point.]
[Level Up!]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 62
EXP: 2500/6200
HP: 5070/5070
SP: 3305/3305
CP: 2139200/2139200
Attributes:
STR: 332
DEX: 329
VIT: 507
INT: 341
WIS: 335
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 30
Available Perk points: 1
Available Blessing points: 1
[Perk: Exorcist
Reduce Level Requirement for all actions regarding Soul Seals by 10%.]
Yadda yadda yadda, I was more worried about Anko. I rolled her over and used Medical Ninjutsu to wake her back up.
She blinked up at me, before her eyes went so wide. "It's… it's gone. The darkness is gone."
"How do you feel?" I asked, worried about her.
She gave me a look that took my breath away. Like I was her hero, like she was a blind woman seeing the sun and a rainbow for the first time, like I was the most important person in the world.
[Achievement Unlocked!]
[Achievement: Undying Love
Relationship Meter for someone has reached 100. +10 All Attributes, +1 Blessing point.]
"I love you, Kichirou-kun," she said, before pulling me down into a kiss that touched me down to my soul.
I was told later that Anko got no less than 3 official noise complaints the next day from the landlord. She assured me it was worth it.
When Anko was all tuckered out and I'd moved her to the bed, I sat on the bed and focused on the Game. I allocated all my points and picked my Perk and 2 Blessings.
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 62
EXP: 2500/6200
HP: 5230/5230
SP: 3500/3500
CP: 2241600/2241600
Attributes:
STR: 350
DEX: 350
VIT: 523
INT: 351
WIS: 350
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
Available Blessing points: 0
[Perk: Beast Tamer
Increase damage and reduce cost of all Skills against Bijuu and Jinchuuriki by 10%.]
[Blessing: Wood Release
You can combine Earth and Water Nature chakra to perform Wood Ninjutsu.]
[Blessing: Adamantine Sealing Chains
You can form nearly unbreakable chains from your raw chakra. Especially effective on Bijuu.]
If Kaguya was the Final Boss and she was really the Juubi, I wanted every advantage against her I could get. Plus they'd come in handy if I ever went up against another Jinchuuriki or confronted a Bijuu inside one of their seals.
[Achievement Unlocked!]
[Achievement: Well-Rounded (VII)
All Attributes (except LUK) are 350 or higher. CP is passively doubled (stackable).]
[Achievement: More Powah! (X)
CP is 2560000 or higher. CP regen rate is passively doubled (stackable).]
[Achievement: Achievement Hunter (II)
Get 20 or more Achievements. +20 All Attributes.]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 62
EXP: 2500/6200
HP: 5430/5430
SP: 3500/3500
CP: 4739200/4739200
Attributes:
STR: 370
DEX: 370
VIT: 543
INT: 371
WIS: 370
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
Available Blessing points: 0
I now had more chakra than Hiruzen. I took a moment to process that. I had more raw power than the Hokage. Oh, he definitely had better chakra control, the cost for all his chakra-based Skills was lower than mine would be for the same thing. Still… it was worth acknowledging.
I stayed with Anko that night, while my Kage Bunshin continued to grind. Me personally, I just held the woman who was completely and utterly in love with me. I needed to start saving for a ring.
In the morning, Anko stirred and beamed up at me when I leaned in for a kiss. "In case yesterday didn't make it perfectly clear, you are the shit, Kichirou-kun. Ask me for anything, and it's yours. I'd die for you."
"Would you live for me instead?" I asked softly.
"Sure thing," she sighed in pleasure as I lined up my body with hers.
We had a pleasant enough romp, then I left her to get breakfast and go about her day. I went to Training Ground 3.
Hiruzen blinked. "What exactly happened yesterday? Your chakra has more than doubled. Well-Rounded again?"
"Basically, I removed the Cursed Seal from Anko, which fulfilled a quest, leveled me up, and got me a bunch of Achievements, Perks, and Blessings. Speaking of Blessings, I need to meet with Kinoe or Tenzo or Yamato or whatever the fuck you call the guy who survived Orochimaru's experiments with the First's DNA," I requested.
"Wood Release? Are you serious?" Hiruzen gaped.
"Believe it," I said, then had the feeling I owed Naruto a royalty or something. "Plus, I got another neat trick." I focused my chakra.
[New Skill Created!]
[Adamantine Sealing Chains (Active) Level: 1
Create the iconic chains of select members of the Uzumaki Clan. Active Cost of 1000 CP/sec. Cost decreases with level.]
I shook the length of chain coming out my palm before retracting it.
"Well, well. What do you plan to do with your first day with these new powers?" Hiruzen asked.
"First things first," I shrugged. I made a single Kage Bunshin and he used Tajuu Kage Bunshin Jutsu. When they'd all spread out to go about the daily grind, I took some food out of my Inventory and ate until my CP was full again. "Now, I have a feeling I'm about to make great strides in winning the Monkey Summon Clan's respect."
I summoned each of the 8 remaining Monkey Princes I hadn't defeated yet, and used the utter hax of the Adamantine Sealing Chains to imprison them and make them yield. These things could suppress Kurama himself, the Monkey Summons didn't have a prayer. I was raking in the EXP, Attribute points and Perks from all the Barrel of Monkeys Quests.
When I got the surrender from Shinkou, I not only got his Quest but an Achievement.
[Achievement Unlocked!]
[Achievement: Prince Slayer
Complete the Barrel of Monkeys Quest chain. Monkey Master Title, +1 Level, +1 Blessing point.]
[Level Up!]
[You have reached Level 70. Secondary Class Unlocked, +1 Blessing Point.]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 70
EXP: 200/7000
HP: 6310/6310
SP: 3970/3970
CP: 5161600/5161600
Attributes:
STR: 401
DEX: 393
VIT: 631
INT: 420
WIS: 399
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 120
Available Perk points: 5
Available Blessing points: 2
[Title: Monkey Master
Increase all Attributes and decrease cost of Skills when fighting with a Monkey Summon.]
This had to be cheating. It was just unfair that I was making this much progress in less than 24 hours. If this is how Pein or Madara felt, no wonder they thought they were gods.
"You going to do Enma next?" Hiruzen chuckled, from where he'd been watching me one-shot one Monkey Prince after another.
"Just a moment," I said before focusing
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist, Fuinjutsu Specialist
Level: 70
EXP: 200/7000
HP: 6510/6510
SP: 4220/4220
CP: 5161600/5161600
Attributes:
STR: 426
DEX: 418
VIT: 651
INT: 445
WIS: 424
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
Available Blessing points: 0
[Perk: Second Wind
Recover 10% of HP with activation. Limit of 1 use every 24 hours.]
[Perk: Double Jump
Can use chakra to harden the air beneath your feet enough to jump in mid-air. 500 CP/use.]
[Perk: Healing Factor (I)
HP regen rate is passively doubled (stackable).]
[Perk: Healing Factor (II)
HP regen rate is passively doubled (stackable).]
[Perk: Fast Recovery (I)
SP regen rate is passively doubled (stackable).]
[Blessing: Skill Adept (I)
All Skills are leveled up 10% faster (stackable).]
[Blessing: Attribute Attainer (I)
All Attributes are leveled up 10% faster (stackable).
[Achievement Unlocked!]
[Achievement: Well-Rounded (VII)
All Attributes (except LUK) are 400 or higher. CP is passively doubled (stackable).]
[Achievement: More Powah! (XI)
CP is 5120000 or higher. CP regen rate is passively doubled (stackable).]
[Achievement: More Powah! (XII)
CP is 10240000 or higher. CP regen rate is passively doubled (stackable).]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist, Fuinjutsu Specialist
Level: 70
EXP: 200/7000
HP: 6510/6510
SP: 4220/4220
CP: 10323200/10323200
Attributes:
STR: 426
DEX: 418
VIT: 651
INT: 445
WIS: 424
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
Available Blessing points: 0
"Now I'll do Enma," I told Hiruzen.
"It's disturbing to witness that from the outside. Between one second and the next, your chakra doubles," Hiruzen mused.
I shrugged and sank a solid 6 million CP into the Summoning Jutsu.
King Enma appeared before me. He regarded me. "Hmm… I yield."
I blinked. "Wait… you're not even going to try and fight? If this is about me using the chains on most of your sons, I promise to give you an actual fight."
"Even without that rather annoying trick, from what I've heard in the last hour from the revolving door of my whining sons, a fight would be pointless. You're superior to me. I'd rather save myself an ass-kicking if I can help it."
I used Observe on him, just to check if I really was better than him.
Name: Enma
Title: Monkey King
Occupation: Boss Summon (Monkey)
Class: Weaponist
Level: 91
EXP: 200/7000
Relationship: 40/100
HP: 5140/5140
SP: 4940/4940
CP: 5136000/5136000
Attributes:
STR: 567
DEX: 421
VIT: 514
INT: 235
WIS: 382
LUK: 338
Despite his higher level, the Attribute gap really wasn't that bad. And with my Kage Bunshin grinding, I undoubtedly had more Skills to use than he did. If he wanted to avoid a fight and let me have a win, then sure.
[Quest Complete: A King's Regard! Beat King Enma! +10 All Attributes, +10 Levels Bojutsu Mastery.]
"If you REALLY want to win our respect, then challenge myself and all 12 of my sons at once. Manage to win that fight and you will be the most respected summoner in our history. Even Hiruzen never managed that one," Enma told me.
I frowned and looked at Hiruzen. "Hold the phone… how'd he even summon you in the first place? You have more chakra than he does."
"He earned my respect as he faced my 12 sons just as you did. When he first attempted to summon me, I shouldered part of the cost of being summoned to this realm. As he earned my respect, I increased my share until I was contributing half the cost of summoning me," Enma told me.
"Ah," I nodded.
"Anyway, I'll be returning to Hometree. If you truly desire an honest bout or require my assistance in combat, I will come to your aid, Nara Kichirou," Enma said before poofing away.
"Right. That happened. What kind of monster am I becoming, that a Boss Summon takes one look at me and throws in the towel?" I wondered.
"One that can help save the world," Hiruzen reminded me.
"Ah, yes, forgot for a second," I nodded. "Well, we're burning daylight."
I trained the rest of the day with Hiruzen, and spent my night with Dragon. I did my 2-hour debriefing with all my spy Kage Bunshin, learning the gossip and lay of the land for the whole continent. Then I got up and went to Training Ground 3 for another day of training. That particular day, I was introduced to codename 'Tenzo' and started learning Wood Ninjutsu.
I had literally thousands of Kage Bunshin grinding every single day. I did subjective years of training in a single day. As the months flew by, I maxed out one Skill after another. So, naturally, I eventually got the Maxed Out Achievement shortly before my 12th birthday.
[Achievement Unlocked!]
[Achievement: Maxed Out (III)
100 Passive or Active Skills are at Max Level. +20000 EXP, First Try Blessing.]
[Level Up!]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Rising Star
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist, Fuinjutsu Specialist
Level: 73
EXP: 3400/7300
HP: 6870/6870
SP: 4480/4480
CP: 11552000/11552000
Attributes:
STR: 454
DEX: 442
VIT: 687
INT: 465
WIS: 444
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 15
Available Perk points: 1
Available Blessing points: 0
[Blessing: First Try
Upon Skill Creation, Level is determined by Level of all related Skills rather than set at 1.]
Oh, yes please. Not having to grind all the way from the bottom for each new Skill going forward would be a godsend. I allocated my points and picked a Perk. Then I returned to the much more important matter of selecting an engagement ring.
I proposed to Anko at my birthday party. She said yes, of course, and proudly wore my ring from that day forward. Was also walking with a limp for a solid week, I was quite happy she'd agreed to become my wife.
The bounty from Raiga was well and truly spent by now. With a wedding to plan, I started taking C-ranks. Anko was my companion on most all of them, and we proved a highly effective pair. And we had yet to run into another snafu like my first C-rank.
Which probably was just asking for it, in retrospect.
Hiruzen summoned me to the Hokage Office one autumn day. "You have a B-rank mission," he said plainly.
"Do I get a choice?" I asked, recognizing the tone of command in my sensei's voice.
"Not at all," he sighed. "The Fire Daimyo, buffoon that he is, heard that I'd taken you as an apprentice. Now he wants the prestige of having the Nara Kichirou as his personal bodyguard while he visits the Lightning Daimyo in the Lightning Capital."
"What are the 12 Guardian Ninja, chopped liver?" I rolled my eyes.
"4 will be accompanying him. But he wants you there as well. You need to be at the Fire Capital to report to his palace within 3 days. The trip itself will be 2 weeks one-way with the size of his retinue and moving at civilian speeds. The meeting itself is set to last a week. Then you have to see him safely back to the Fire Capital. Estimated time of 6 weeks, but they're civilian politicians so expect delays," Hiruzen told me.
"Gotcha," I sighed. "Mission accepted, Hokage-sama."
I went home and packed. I left a single Kage Bunshin to keep spamming training Clones and stay with Anko, Naruto, and my other friends. Making sure my face mask was on properly and my roots weren't too noticeable, I used Shunshin to get to the village gates. I logged my departure with the Chunin on duty and focused.
[Fast Travel to Fire Capital? Y/N]
I thought in the affirmative and everything went dark. When the world returned, I was outside the gates of the seat of power for the entire country.
I went through the city, making it to the Daimyo's palace. I showed my mission scroll at the front gate, and a courtier led me to the Fire Daimyo himself.
I was not impressed. But I endured his fawning and self-aggrandizing and got out of there as soon as I could manage. I was led to my own room in the palace, and settled in to grind.
We set out in the morning 2 days after I arrived. The Daimyo insisted on me sitting in his own personal carriage. It was a special kind of hell to try and make small talk with the man as we moved at a snail's pace. After the first day, I left a Kage Bunshin to that torture for me to endure in a short burst when he dispelled.
The most exciting thing to happen on the 2 week trip to the Lightning Capital was a bandit attack. Each of the 12 Guardian Ninja members accompanying us could have handled them all alone. I settled for looting the pockets of the bodies. Then we were finally at the Lightning Capital and were led with great ceremony appropriate for a visiting head of state to the Lightning Daimyo's court.
The Fire Daimyo made me walk at his right hand as he approached the Lightning Daimyo on his Throne. "Lightning-dono," my boss for this mission said, actually looking and sounding like a respectful politician. Good to know he was at least good at his job even with his insufferable personality.
"Fire-dono," his counterpart greeted. They made a bunch of empty platitudes back and forth, and then the Lightning Daimyo looked at me. "I can't help but notice your young companion does not bear the sash of one of your Guardian Ninja. Is he a hired bodyguard from Konohagakure? I should feel insulted you felt the need for extra protection in the center of my palace."
"Hardly, Lightning-dono. This is the Hokage's personal apprentice. I merely wanted a ringer for our traditional tournament," the Fire Daimyo grinned.
Say what now?
"Ah, yes, it has been a while, I almost forgot. 5 of your best ninja against 5 of mine." The Lightning Daimyo gave a grin that let me know he hadn't forgotten a bit. "Why, it's rather lucky. I just happened to be entertaining the Raikage's brother while he was in the city on an errand. I'm sure I can convince him to participate. Perhaps my 'ringer' can go up against your own."
Fuck my life. I had to fight Killer B?! I was screwed, blued, and tattooed.
At least I got a night of rest beforehand. The tournament was set to happen tomorrow at 10:00 in the courtyard of the palace. I ground myself like black pepper and ruthlessly ran game theory, trying to imagine any scenario where I could beat a Perfect Jinchuuriki. And to make matters worse, B was probably S-rank even without using Gyuuki. And of course lethal force was forbidden, so I couldn't do the trick I'd used on Raiga.
Now, you might think I was worrying about nothing. This was just a friendly spar, I could surrender if I wanted. Yeah, no. The Fire Daimyo could and would blacklist me and end my career if I embarrassed him with a loss. Not that I needed to get promoted to be strong enough to stop Kaguya, Naruto and Sasuke had technically been Genin during the Fourth Shinobi War. But if I couldn't do missions, that would cause financial trouble quickly. I should look into paid hobbies I could farm with my Kage Bunshin once I got home.
We had a lavish breakfast with the Lightning Daimyo, and then we all went to the courtyard. I spotted Killer B, bouncing from foot to foot and muttering bad raps under his breath. I used Observe.
Name: Killer B
Title: Hachibi Jinchuuriki (Perfect)
Occupation: Kumogakure Jonin
Class: Unorthodox Swordsman
Level: 117
EXP: 8900/11700
Relationship: 11/100
HP: 7230/7230
SP: 6355/6355
CP: 12384000/12384000
Attributes:
STR: 602
DEX: 669
VIT: 723
INT: 174
WIS: 490
LUK: 227
Ok, Intelligence was his dump stat, no surprise there. I just hoped he underestimated me.
I watched the 3 matches leading up to mine and B's. I was bored and experimented and found I could Observe Jutsu while they were in effect. And by Observing them, I could learn them if I met the requirements. Discount Sharingan for the win!
Then after the last match ended, Killer B and I went to our positions. We were the tiebreaker, both Fire and Lightning had 2 wins each.
"Yo, yo, yo, the B's up to bat! Imma give a good show for this fat cat!" B grinned, hooking a thumb at the Lightning Daimyo.
Blame Gai and my taunting training, but I tried to one up B at his own game. "Yo, you ready for this here contest? 'Cause we already both know I'm the best of the best. Hear that heartbeat pumping in your chest? Well this nin gonna give you cardiac arrest!"
B froze. Then he drew all 7 of his swords and got into his weirdass stance. "That right there? That just made this personal," he said flatly.
Well, my luck was in the red, what did I expect? I got ready to haul ass as fast as I could, his Dexterity was half again higher than mine.
"Ready?" the referee, a retired ninja in the Lightning Daimyo's court, said as he raised his hand.
B started to bounce to his internal beat.
I opened the First Gate.
"Fight!"
"Tajuu Kage Bunshin Jutsu!" I called before instantly using Kawarimi with the farthest away clone to dodge B's initial charge. By the time the smoke cleared, he'd already taken out dozens of my copies. I started popping soldier pills like they were candy and stuffing food down my throat. When my CP reached half capacity, over 1000 of my Kage Bunshin were already destroyed by the sharp whirlwind that was Killer B.
"Summoning Jutsu: King Enma!" I called before slamming my palm on the ground. The Boss Summon appeared. "Staff form, now!" I shouted before he could say a word.
He puffed into smoke and I grabbed the Adamantine Staff, twirling it to get a feel for its weight and balance. I dispelled all but a few of the remaining Kage Bunshin, recovering their chakra and making a brief smokescreen. I used my minimap to track Killer B, opened the Second Gate, and went unto the breach.
Ridiculous as it looked, B's style was effective. Every move he made brought an attack from a new angle. But I kept buying time, distracting him while 4 of my Kage Bunshin wrote as fast as they could on the ground.
"Now!" shouted one Kage Bunshin and I used Kawarimi with him. Killer B popped him absently, but at that moment my sealing team activated the Barrier Seal. A greenish-blue box formed around the Jinchuuriki, locking him in.
I panted. "You're trapped! That thing will hold for days! Surrender or starve!" I called.
"Can't believe I'm using this for a fucking Genin," Killer B sighed. Then a Version 1 Bijuu Cloak with 8 tails formed around the dark-skinned blond man.
I started scarfing food again.
B rammed into the wall of the Barrier Seal. He bounced off, but a visible crack formed at the point of impact.
I opened the Third and Fourth Gates in quick succession. My skin turned cherry red from the increased blood flow.
My opponent rammed into the Barrier again, managing to break through on his second try.
I made 9 Kage Bunshin, and they all charged Rasengans and charged forward to try and hit Killer B. Meanwhile, I used the Chakra Flow technique to funnel Wind chakra through the Adamantine Staff. Enma compounded it with his own chakra, doubling the effect.
B literally ignored the Rasengans that managed to hit him, tanking the Fourth Hokage's original Jutsu and coming right at me. I swung the Adamantine Staff around and blocked his swords. There was a shockwave that almost blew me off my feet, and then another and another as I desperately swung the transformed Enma around to stop the Kumo-nin from severing a limb. Maiming wasn't lethal force, apparently. Either that, or B had forgotten the rules.
I felt myself get switched as a Kage Bunshin used Kawarimi. An instant later, Killer B was caught in a Clone Great Explosion.
With my enemy at least with ringing ears, I opened the Fifth Gate and used the surge of chakra to make Adamantine Sealing Chains. I caught Killer B and he started to struggle. My surviving Kage Bunshin rushed in doing hand seals. "Wood Release: 4-Pillar Prison Jutsu," they called, and a box made of living wood grew and formed around the Jinchuuriki. Where B touched the wood, his chakra was absorbed and drained away by the anti-Bijuu properties of Wood Release.
There was an endless moment of struggle. I wrapped more and more chains around B. My Kage Bunshin made the prison smaller to increase the points of contact between the bars and Killer B. I felt a surge of energy from him and worried he was about to unleash Gyuuki for a simple pissing contest between the Daimyo. I knew I'd regret it in the morning, but I opened the Sixth Gate and channeled Lightning chakra through the chains, electrocuting him within an inch of his life.
"Ouch! Fine, fine, I concede! You win this round!" came Killer B's voice from inside the prison.
"W-w-win!" the poor referee declared.
I dispelled my Kage Bunshin, closed each Inner Gate, and promptly passed out.
[You have slept in a hospital bed. HP, SP, and CP are 75% restored.]
[Curse: Inner Gate Withdrawal (VI)
HP, SP, CP, and all Attributes are decreased by 75% for (10) days.]
I blinked my eyes, which were about the only part of my body that didn't hurt. I was in a private hospital room. My entire body was covered in bandages, and an IV fed fluids and too little pain medication right into my bloodstream.
"Oh, he's alive," Enma commented from where he was leaning in the corner.
"Not for lack of trying," I groaned. "Oh my aching everything. Tell me I at least won something when the Fire side won the tournament."
"If you call it a victory, pretty sure Killer B is going to report you to his brother and you'll end up in Kumo's Bingo Book," Enma told me.
"Good thing I got my Ninja ID photo updated before I came here. When Kumo's spies lift it from my records, it won't show my face or real hair color," I groaned.
There was a knock on the door. A doctor came in and checked me over. He made some notes, asked me basic questions to make sure I was coherent, then left to continue his rounds.
Enma dispelled once it was clear I wasn't going back to sleep. I got a visit from the Fire Daimyo, who mentioned I'd impressed him and he 'would remember' me. The 4 members of the 12 Guardian Ninja came and gave me constructive criticism for the fight, though most of them admitted that they could hardly believe I'd lasted that long against a trained Jinchuuriki.
Then Killer B came in. I braced myself for anything. He looked at me for a silent minute, then held out his fist. "Props," he said.
Barely able to move, I still managed to give him a fist bump.
He left right after that, not another word. But a quick Observe showed that my Relationship with him was over 50. We weren't friends, but I'd earned his respect.
On my first C-rank, I ran into an A-rank nin. On my first B-rank, I went up against an S-rank nin. Maybe it would just be safer to never take an A-rank mission.