Inside the Hokage's office, silence took over. With the evil
perpetrator's name revealed by Edo, everyone became silent as they lose
themselves in their own thoughts. Naruto's expression holds a look of
fierce determination as he clenches his fist so tightly that the cracking
of his knuckles become audible. Sasuke's face takes on a wounded look and
disgust as he recalls the betrayal and the repulsiveness that is
Orochimaru. Sakura has sadness etched upon her face as her mind travels
the paths of memory back to the first Chuunin Exam. Edo remains silent
after his declaration while Tsunade quietly assesses the three Genins.
Satisfied, Tsunade gives a nod and conspicuously clears her throat. At
the sound, all three are shaken from their reverie and turns their
attention to Godaime Hokage.
"As I was saying before..." only to be interrupted by the sudden entrance of her fellow Sage-nin followed quickly behind by the outraged Chuunin sent to fetch him. Jiraiya the Sage of Toad-Mountain, Toad-nin of the Legendary Three is irritated to say the least. Ever since he decided to stay in Konoha Village for a few years in order to look out for his latest student, he has been repeatedly been called away from his goal of 'gathering material' for his new novel by minor details such as this. Or so he thought. Catching sight of the newly-acquired window in the wall, he pointed towards it and looked questioningly at Naruto. At Jiraiya's look, Naruto fell back to his old habit. He rubbed the back of his head and gave a wide grin while laughing nervously as Sasuke and Sakura gives him dark looks.
"Wind Walk."
At that Jiraiya gave a big snort. Shaking his head he inspects the damage.
"Fool! You are not supposed to use a jutsu when you have not mastered it! It is understandable you want to try out a new jutsu you created but you have to make sure its fool proof!!!"
"But Pervert-sennin, I only wanted to show my prowess as the next one to be Hokage...!"
"STOP CALLING ME PERVERT-SENNIN!!"
Meanwhile, Tsunade speaks to the red-faced chuunin. Smirking she asks him,
"It is the women's bath-house wasn't it?" Coughing the chuunin blushed even more and faintly smiled.
"Actually, Godaime you lost. He was not at the bath-house. I found him at the waterfall area. That's the sixth time you owe me money now"
Tsunade's hopeful expression drop leaving a dark shadow across her face as she realizes that she has once again lost another bet. Ignoring all the others in her room, she squats in front of the wreckage which used to be her desk muttering darkly about gambling.
Coughing, Sasuke brings the whole group's attention back to the subject matter at hand.
"Hokage-sama, so can you now explain what exactly we are gathered here for?"
"Ah...yes...Team Seven, your newest member is Edo. He is not an official Genin shinobi as of yet. Right now, I intend to place him under your team as I believe he is the key to restoring your chakra Sasuke."
At the Godaime's words, Sasuke gives a start with a hopeful expression on his face. Naruto breaks out into a grin as he realizes that he will soon be able to begin his rivalry with Sasuke. Sakura on the other hand, becomes quieter and withdrawn as she takes in what Tsunade says. The only people who notices Sakura's reaction is Edo and Tsunade. Nonetheless she continues speaking.
"It is due to Edo's unique ability that gives me the confidence in healing Sasuke's chakra pathways."
Edo nods his head as she speaks acknowledging her words. Team Seven becomes puzzled as a whole as they try to figure out what exactly Tsunade means. Sakura starts the question.
"When you say unique ability, do you mean an Advanced Bloodline limit?"
In reply, Tsunade shakes her head sadly and looks at Edo asking silently for his story to be told. Edo again bows his head and slowly removes his hat to reveal his hidden face. At the sight of it, everyone but Tsunade gives a sign of surprise. Naruto blinks, the chuunin stares openly, and Sakura and Sasuke collectively gasps while Jiraiya takes on a pained expression. Edo's face does not seem human to say the least. His face looks more like a cat than anything else.
"When Orochimaru kidnapped me, he used me for his experiments. He wanted to see what would happen when you meld beast and human together. Using some sort of jutsu, he melded me with a tiger to see what happens. Now you see the result: a monster. To be hated and scorned everywhere by those you know and love. It is only recently my friends have taken me back in again"
The naked pain could be seen clearly in Edo's eyes as he bares his soul to the Hokage and Team Seven. In his golden eyes, you could see his 'invisible tears'. There seems to be a small shimmer in his pupils as he reveals his pain. He bows his head even lower, trying to hide his bestial face. His shoulders slump as he stares at the ground.
Naruto looks at Edo and thinks to himself.
He is like me. Although he is not a demon nor does he have a demon inside me but he knows...he knows what it is to be lonely and rejected. To be hated, to be not seen as a fellow human. He knows the pain that Gaara and I went through. At least on my part, I do not resemble anything much like the Nine-tails. But he...he has a constant reminder on his face...that is why he hides his face as much under that hat.
"It hurts doesn't it?"
At the sound of Naruto's voice, Edo looks up at Naruto not really seeing him. Edo did not need to see Naruto to understand. He could hear Naruto's understanding in his voice. He could hear the same pain in that voice. Soft and full of gentle bitterness, this voice is a huge contrast compared to Naruto's usual hearty shout. Sakura and Sasuke looks at Naruto in wonder. Ever since Sasuke found out he could not train or fight, the three had gotten closer. Both of them knew that Naruto had a softer, gentler side to him but he seldom shows this other side of him. As for Naruto's part, his eyes shaded by his Leaf forehead protector, his edges of his mouth turned down forming a frown.
"When you are rejected and alone just because people do not see you for what you are, only what they think they see. The pain...it does not stop does it?"
Reaching out a comforting hand, Naruto places it on Edo's shoulder while Edo looks at Naruto seeing the same pain etched on the whisker- scarred face. Too choked to say anything, Edo just leaned into that hand drawing silent comfort from one who recognises and feels the pain.
Eyes brimming with unshed tears, Tsunade watched the poignant scene and moved to both Naruto's and Edo's side so that she could give whatever comfort she could for both boys. Placing her hands on Edo's shoulders she addressed Team Seven.
"Due to the experiments performed on Edo, he has gained a new ability. Apparently by melding his body with several elements of nature, he now has the ability to draw chakra from other sources. Once he has drawn the chakra to himself, he is able to either use it or transfer it to another holder."
As those words sunk into each member, their jaws dropped as they begin to realise the possibilities. Sakura is the first to realise how Edo might be able to help Team Seven. With a start, she jumps and begins speaking excitedly.
"I see! Hokage-sama, you said that Sasuke's chakra pathways have been severely burnt out by the curse seal. Theoretically, it is possible for a medic-nin to heal the pathways but the only problem is the extent of the burns! If it was only through several places of the body it would be possible but not the entire structure. No one in Medical History had enough chakra to actually heal them, not even you Sensei. But with Edo's ability..."
Nodding with approval, Tsunade silently applauds Sakura's reasoning. It is true that even if she drained her chakra reserves during the operation, Sasuke would still not be able to channel his chakra, but with Edo supplying a constant stream of chakra, she could complete the procedure. However, it had to be done in one procedure and it could not be interrupted. If anything happens to the chakra flow, it might end up at the least with Sasuke comatose for life. At the worst, both Edo and Sasuke might lose their lives. All this she keeps to herself not wanting to spoil the hope in front of Team Seven.
Naruto finishes where Sakura trailed off, apparently he did get a little bit smarter after growing up a few years. Although he still maintain his 'youthful exuberance' as Gai-Sensei a fellow Jounin- Instruction much like Kakashi would say.
"YOU CAN FIX SASUKE!!!"
With that exclamation, Naruto begins to jump around excitedly around the room with everyone else ducking for cover. Both Jiraiya and Tsunade smile at their bouncing student as he hops up and down cheering for Edo and Sasuke.
"Jiraiya...he is so much like him isn't he?" whispers Tsunade to Jiraiya. Understanding who she meant, understanding the pain and joy in her voice Jiraiya gives an understanding growl.
"He will grow into his full strength soon..."
"As I was saying before..." only to be interrupted by the sudden entrance of her fellow Sage-nin followed quickly behind by the outraged Chuunin sent to fetch him. Jiraiya the Sage of Toad-Mountain, Toad-nin of the Legendary Three is irritated to say the least. Ever since he decided to stay in Konoha Village for a few years in order to look out for his latest student, he has been repeatedly been called away from his goal of 'gathering material' for his new novel by minor details such as this. Or so he thought. Catching sight of the newly-acquired window in the wall, he pointed towards it and looked questioningly at Naruto. At Jiraiya's look, Naruto fell back to his old habit. He rubbed the back of his head and gave a wide grin while laughing nervously as Sasuke and Sakura gives him dark looks.
"Wind Walk."
At that Jiraiya gave a big snort. Shaking his head he inspects the damage.
"Fool! You are not supposed to use a jutsu when you have not mastered it! It is understandable you want to try out a new jutsu you created but you have to make sure its fool proof!!!"
"But Pervert-sennin, I only wanted to show my prowess as the next one to be Hokage...!"
"STOP CALLING ME PERVERT-SENNIN!!"
Meanwhile, Tsunade speaks to the red-faced chuunin. Smirking she asks him,
"It is the women's bath-house wasn't it?" Coughing the chuunin blushed even more and faintly smiled.
"Actually, Godaime you lost. He was not at the bath-house. I found him at the waterfall area. That's the sixth time you owe me money now"
Tsunade's hopeful expression drop leaving a dark shadow across her face as she realizes that she has once again lost another bet. Ignoring all the others in her room, she squats in front of the wreckage which used to be her desk muttering darkly about gambling.
Coughing, Sasuke brings the whole group's attention back to the subject matter at hand.
"Hokage-sama, so can you now explain what exactly we are gathered here for?"
"Ah...yes...Team Seven, your newest member is Edo. He is not an official Genin shinobi as of yet. Right now, I intend to place him under your team as I believe he is the key to restoring your chakra Sasuke."
At the Godaime's words, Sasuke gives a start with a hopeful expression on his face. Naruto breaks out into a grin as he realizes that he will soon be able to begin his rivalry with Sasuke. Sakura on the other hand, becomes quieter and withdrawn as she takes in what Tsunade says. The only people who notices Sakura's reaction is Edo and Tsunade. Nonetheless she continues speaking.
"It is due to Edo's unique ability that gives me the confidence in healing Sasuke's chakra pathways."
Edo nods his head as she speaks acknowledging her words. Team Seven becomes puzzled as a whole as they try to figure out what exactly Tsunade means. Sakura starts the question.
"When you say unique ability, do you mean an Advanced Bloodline limit?"
In reply, Tsunade shakes her head sadly and looks at Edo asking silently for his story to be told. Edo again bows his head and slowly removes his hat to reveal his hidden face. At the sight of it, everyone but Tsunade gives a sign of surprise. Naruto blinks, the chuunin stares openly, and Sakura and Sasuke collectively gasps while Jiraiya takes on a pained expression. Edo's face does not seem human to say the least. His face looks more like a cat than anything else.
"When Orochimaru kidnapped me, he used me for his experiments. He wanted to see what would happen when you meld beast and human together. Using some sort of jutsu, he melded me with a tiger to see what happens. Now you see the result: a monster. To be hated and scorned everywhere by those you know and love. It is only recently my friends have taken me back in again"
The naked pain could be seen clearly in Edo's eyes as he bares his soul to the Hokage and Team Seven. In his golden eyes, you could see his 'invisible tears'. There seems to be a small shimmer in his pupils as he reveals his pain. He bows his head even lower, trying to hide his bestial face. His shoulders slump as he stares at the ground.
Naruto looks at Edo and thinks to himself.
He is like me. Although he is not a demon nor does he have a demon inside me but he knows...he knows what it is to be lonely and rejected. To be hated, to be not seen as a fellow human. He knows the pain that Gaara and I went through. At least on my part, I do not resemble anything much like the Nine-tails. But he...he has a constant reminder on his face...that is why he hides his face as much under that hat.
"It hurts doesn't it?"
At the sound of Naruto's voice, Edo looks up at Naruto not really seeing him. Edo did not need to see Naruto to understand. He could hear Naruto's understanding in his voice. He could hear the same pain in that voice. Soft and full of gentle bitterness, this voice is a huge contrast compared to Naruto's usual hearty shout. Sakura and Sasuke looks at Naruto in wonder. Ever since Sasuke found out he could not train or fight, the three had gotten closer. Both of them knew that Naruto had a softer, gentler side to him but he seldom shows this other side of him. As for Naruto's part, his eyes shaded by his Leaf forehead protector, his edges of his mouth turned down forming a frown.
"When you are rejected and alone just because people do not see you for what you are, only what they think they see. The pain...it does not stop does it?"
Reaching out a comforting hand, Naruto places it on Edo's shoulder while Edo looks at Naruto seeing the same pain etched on the whisker- scarred face. Too choked to say anything, Edo just leaned into that hand drawing silent comfort from one who recognises and feels the pain.
Eyes brimming with unshed tears, Tsunade watched the poignant scene and moved to both Naruto's and Edo's side so that she could give whatever comfort she could for both boys. Placing her hands on Edo's shoulders she addressed Team Seven.
"Due to the experiments performed on Edo, he has gained a new ability. Apparently by melding his body with several elements of nature, he now has the ability to draw chakra from other sources. Once he has drawn the chakra to himself, he is able to either use it or transfer it to another holder."
As those words sunk into each member, their jaws dropped as they begin to realise the possibilities. Sakura is the first to realise how Edo might be able to help Team Seven. With a start, she jumps and begins speaking excitedly.
"I see! Hokage-sama, you said that Sasuke's chakra pathways have been severely burnt out by the curse seal. Theoretically, it is possible for a medic-nin to heal the pathways but the only problem is the extent of the burns! If it was only through several places of the body it would be possible but not the entire structure. No one in Medical History had enough chakra to actually heal them, not even you Sensei. But with Edo's ability..."
Nodding with approval, Tsunade silently applauds Sakura's reasoning. It is true that even if she drained her chakra reserves during the operation, Sasuke would still not be able to channel his chakra, but with Edo supplying a constant stream of chakra, she could complete the procedure. However, it had to be done in one procedure and it could not be interrupted. If anything happens to the chakra flow, it might end up at the least with Sasuke comatose for life. At the worst, both Edo and Sasuke might lose their lives. All this she keeps to herself not wanting to spoil the hope in front of Team Seven.
Naruto finishes where Sakura trailed off, apparently he did get a little bit smarter after growing up a few years. Although he still maintain his 'youthful exuberance' as Gai-Sensei a fellow Jounin- Instruction much like Kakashi would say.
"YOU CAN FIX SASUKE!!!"
With that exclamation, Naruto begins to jump around excitedly around the room with everyone else ducking for cover. Both Jiraiya and Tsunade smile at their bouncing student as he hops up and down cheering for Edo and Sasuke.
"Jiraiya...he is so much like him isn't he?" whispers Tsunade to Jiraiya. Understanding who she meant, understanding the pain and joy in her voice Jiraiya gives an understanding growl.
"He will grow into his full strength soon..."