AN: Oh, strikethrough text isn't supported... umm...
Formatting: text - means that it is redacted. (this chapter only)
Politics of Mice - Dear Brother
My birthday was coming up. The natural consequence was that it was also my twin brother's birthday.
I mean… I hadn't done much for the occasion the last seven years, but being alone out here in the Hidden Sound village made me want to do… something.
I'd been stuck on what, until Natsuhi suggested I write a letter.
Hey, Brother, Dear Yorihiro, Hey bro,
Yo,
First off, happy birthday. I may not be there, but know that I'm thinking about you.
That's going to be really awkward if this arrives late or early.
It's been 11 months since I left.
It's been kind of shit to be honest. I've almost died, everyone hates me, and-
The first few months were hectic to say the least.
They have school here, I almost dropped out, but I'm keeping up, and now I started rising to the top of the class. Not that beating a bunch of children in smarts is particularly impressive. I might even be jumping up to the next class soon!
It's different from the private tutoring father had us do back home. Sometimes it's just so slow and I'm falling asleep, but then suddenly they're going way too fast and I can't keep up. Once I got used to it and got around to speaking in full sentences things started going really well. The other kids started bullying me for it, but it's not bothering me so don't worry.
How're you doing in your studies? Are you keeping up well? You're going to be lord one day so you need to be smart… or at least smart enough to pretend you are.
I kept up my archery practice. I don't mean to brag, but I'm the best archer in the village! Mainly because I'm the only one. I still shoot every other day, and I hit the target most of the time, though it's anyone's game if either it or I am moving.
I made my first friend on the practice range. Kin Tsuchi is arrogant as all hell- confident, really good with throwing weapons, and a much better shinobi than I am. Competing with her has been really fun, and it makes me want to be better. I miss it. A few months ago though she tried to protect me and we had an argument. I want to apologise, but she's been avoiding me since.
I'd ask if you've made any new friends, but I don't think they deliver letters that long. Have you been practising any hobbies?
Have you learned about the ninja super power yet? It's this thing called chakra that everyone in this world- has, you can thank aliens for that, damn Otsuki or whatever they were called. It was hard to begin with, nobody was willing to teach me anything, but I'm well on my way to mastering my control. I can make just about anything stick to just about any part of my body, and I recently figured out how to run up walls and even upside down. I started trying to walk on water and I think I might be getting it soon, but you need to keep that part secret. I can also push things away, it's part of how ninja are so fast, they can push chakra out their feet and gain a burst of speed! I've actually had to use that and the wall running to escape a few times the last 7 months.
I haven't figured out any techniques yet, but I started working on three from a scroll that Mitsutada- I have. Before I can start getting them to work I need to get the hand signs right. It's hard enough just trying to get my fingers to get into position, but I have to do it quickly as well!
It's hard, but if I can learn to play chords and arpeggios on piano- I'll figure it out eventually, then I'll be the coolest ninja a brother could ask for.
Since I'm training to be your cool ninja brother, you probably want to hear about the fighting, right?
I've been sparring every week since I got here.
The first 4 months with Mitsutada- Believe it or not, I won most of my fights the first four months, but ever since I killed- we switched instructors 7 months ago a bunch more ninja clan kids joined up. They hate me, they all hate me- I've lost a lot more. I might be good for a civilian, but I'm at the bottom of the ninja pile. Things are only going to get worse when they start learning and using proper clan techniques. The other civilian kids actually cheered for me last week when I managed to pull out a win. They still don't like me, especially since they picked up on the ninja kids not liking me, but they like the ninja kids less, especially- Kin has been winning all her fights, like I said, she's a much better ninja than me. I've started to wonder if she's actually a character from the series who I've forgotten.
Has father gotten you started on any leadership practice yet? Managing the country?
Outside of my ninja training there isn't much happening with my life. After what I did to Mitsu- Recently, it's been harder to go around unnoticed. Before I could just keep my head down and most people would just walk by, but that doesn't seem to work anymore. Natsuhi is a dead giveaway, so we've started travelling separately. They leave her alone, but I have to sneak like a real ninja, so it's good practice. I still get found a lot, and no matter how the encounter starts it usually ends with me running for my life, the wall running and speed boost have been life savers, literally. They really like to play tag, but you know how I get tired and can't keep up for long. Luckily for me, most of the people here are busy and can't spend too much time murdering children- play too long.
How are you doing? Is there anything new?
Do you know how Tatara and Ichino are doing? Did Issai make it back well? How's Father?
I miss you, and I look forward to being done and going back home.
With love,Sincerely,From,Coolest ninja ever,
Your Brother,
Yumika Nogawa.
It took a few rewrites, but I got a letter that I felt like I could send. It was hard to filter out my thoughts from the writing sometimes, so I made sure to write it when Natsuhi wasn't here. I didn't quite feel comfortable dropping the whole 'from another world' bomb on the living just yet. I left the letter on my desk and headed out to the arena.
With the new attention we've had to move rooms a few times, so I was getting a better mental map of the base as a whole. Learning the new route every time was a bit of a pain though.
This part of the base had much fewer smooth walls, being more dug out earth and natural caves. It also left a lot more nooks and crannies to hide in, which was a plus.
Remember assassins creed, people don't look up…
I could keep up the wall-walking for a total of 11 minutes and 27 seconds in one go at the moment. That would knock me out, more than that would probably kill me. In the tighter corridors, the roof was in the average line of sight, so then it was down to earth again. The total trip took ~7 minutes each way, ~3 of those were in the tighter corridors.
So in total, a third of my chakra each way. Leaving me a third to fight with which wasn't much, but I didn't have too much I could use it on yet anyway, so it wasn't so bad. I also made it a habit these days to always carry a snack to regain some energy if I need to.
I reached the tighter corridors and dropped down, checking the stopwatch.
3m 43s.
Nice.
Yes, I had actually timed it, and my total capacity.
Better safe than sorry, especially since I didn't have a proper intuitive grasp of my own chakra.
Was it because of my past life? Was it just something the characters learned by the time of the show? I hadn't figured that one out yet.
I took my hair out of its twin tails, and folded up my haori. I found that it messed up my silhouette enough to make the difference on occasion. I always made sure to have it back on though by the time Natsuhi rolled around, she was pretty strict on my dress code. 'Daimyo's orders' she'd say.
I moved with slow quiet steps, but tried to keep my posture natural. Staying low wasn't going to help much, and active sneaking is commonly considered a red flag.
I kept an ear out for others. A lot of the veteran ninjas naturally moved quietly so they were hard to pick up on, but everyone else was easy enough, and I could still catch the veterans talking on occasion.
An unexpected sense for me was smell. Being underground this whole area was pretty stale, so people stuck out, especially hard-working sweaty ninja. The discovery of which might have been related to me doubling down on my hygiene.
I had definitely gotten better with both senses the last 7 months. I'd also tried the whole 'channel chakra to body part to improve sense' thing. Though I couldn't manage it yet… I also couldn't remember if it was canon or not.
The arena entrance was in sight, so I tied up my hair again and re-equipped my overcoat.
I checked the stopwatch one more time.
8m 27s.
Slow walking really bloats the time.
I cracked my neck.
Time to fight.
Kin kept her distance as usual.
Ignore the looks…
The medic called the ongoing fight, before anyone was bloody and bruised. She'd been doing that the whole time since she took over.
Well, it's her chakra and time spent healing everyone… so I guess it makes sense.
The two fighters got back, stopped by the medic for her feedback, before joining everyone else in the crowd.
Mitsutada's advice was better…
Yea, the asshole was still on my mind.
"Yumika, you're up next."
I nodded and headed down the stairs, I didn't wait for the other announcement.
I did a few stretches while I waited for my opponent.
"Aha, vile fiend!"
Ah, it's him.
Kanshi Shiin, of the oh so famous Shiin clan.
Not famous enough for the series to mention them.
A smaller clan in the country who had flute based techniques.
"It is about time we faced each other. I, Kanshi Shiiin, will be sure to vanquish you."
As much as I tried not to bother with learning these peoples names. Kanshi… didn't give me much of a choice.
With a spot of pessimistic resignation in my heart, I offered my hands.
"Sure thing Theseus. Good luck, have fun."
He took my hand and gave it a solid shake.
"Ha, it will be unneeded, but the blessing will make this a fortuitous battle. With my new technique this will be swift."
He let go and backed away to his spot.
I…
He shook it.
…was stuck staring at my hand in disbelief.
A cough from the balcony.
"Yumika, positions."
Red faced, I bowed to Kanshi and jogged the two steps back and got ready.
"Begin."
I fell into a stance, and waited a second to see what he'd do.
He didn't enter a combat stance.
That was the first thing I noticed.
The next thing I noticed was that I couldn't move anymore.
It was after that that my perception recognised the flute he was playing.
Then, doing internet explorer proud, I realised he mentioned a technique he'd learned.
Paralysis.
Shit.
Was that Ninjutsu or Genjutsu?
I could try to disrupt genjutsu, it was just disrupting your own chakra to shake it off right? But if it was Ninjutsu that would do nothing but waste chakra. Chakra I could use to fight and get back to my room later.
I'm so screwed.
…
Nothing happened.
Analysis Begin!
What do I know?
1. I am paralysed.
2. He's playing the flute.
3. This is some sort of jutsu.
4. He's not doing anything else.
Subject: the technique
Assumed: the jutsu is a paralysis technique.
From fact 2 and 4, activated by playing music rather than hand signs like Tayuya. Added as 2.1.
From fact 2.1, and 4. It's a channel.
Conclusion: He isn't doing anything to capitalise on this, because he can't.
Analysis End.
I could get some motion through still, so not a complete paralysis. I probably depended on the strength difference between the user and target like most other immobilisation techniques.
Struggling isn't going to accomplish anything as long as he's playing…
So I relaxed. If I did nothing, wasted nothing, he'd gain nothing out of the technique.
…now that I'm not panicking because of the fight. It's a nice song, well played too.
I might have been getting distracted, but it made me want to play music again.
Then I fell slightly forward as the song stopped.
"Aha, you figured out my technique fiend, but this battle is not yet yours."
"Let us compete to see who is the better lord!"
I smiled.
That's who it reminded me of.
I guess I can play along a little bit…
I lowered my voice, for maximum melodrama.
"Not yet young Shiin, but now that your technique is broken, we enter my domain. Ready yourself, my fist of wrath approaches."
I charged.
A step closer I made my mind up on my first attack, and the unnecessary theatrics brought an image into my mind that I couldn't escape.
"Dynamic…"
I jumped in with a flying sidekick.
"...Entry!"
Yes, I was going to drop kick this fool.
I must have played up his theatrics, because instead of doing the smart thing and avoiding the attack, he blocked it with crossed arms.
That kick had been at full power.
He was pushed back, sliding closer to the wall.
I landed, kicked low with a round kick.
He jumped over it.
I continued my motion, then jumped into a high round kick.
He rushed his landing and went low to avoid it, falling on his ass.
I landed, and sent a fist right for his face.
He wouldn't be able to block in time.
I stopped the attack just short.
"Match."
I smiled down at the guy, and offered a hand.
"Good match."
He brought up his arm to shake, but his forearm stayed limp.
Oh…
"Let me help you up."
I leaned in and took the arm over my shoulder to help him up.
He grunted.
Probably wasn't feeling much for talking. Understandable.
I waved at the medic for help.
She met us midway and took him away, probably to get treated on a very familiar lab table.
Normally I'd have left by now, but I decided to stay to watch the rest.
I shouldn't have stayed…
The rest of the kids were piling out. The way they all looked the same way when they got out told me that someone was there.
How do I get out of this?
Analysis Begin!
Layout.
1. A single double door is the only way in and out of the room, it opens outward.
2. The door is a head away from the roof.
3. The door opens to a square balcony that follows the edge of the room.
4. The balcony has a railing. I could squeeze through if needed.
5. A stairway leads into the wall, and back out onto the lower floor.
Subject: Escape.
Aspect 1, I need to bait them in or wait for them to leave.
Aspect 2, I can't hide on the roof.
Aspect 3, I can't hide on the balcony, the whole thing is in the door's line of sight.
That leaves the bottom floor.
It would have to be somewhere under the balcony.
Problem! If they go down the stairs and I'm on the lower floor I'll be seen.
Analysis End.
Plan formulated, I waited for the last kid to leave, then squeezed through the railing to hang off the balcony. That alone would still get me caught, as they'd see my fingers.
Time to put that core to work.
I swung my legs up so that my feet were touching the bottom of the balcony, channelled my chakra, and when I felt it stick, let go with my hands.
My left hand reached for the stopwatch, which was set back to 3m 43s.
I heard the door open, and held my breath.
From the smell, more than two people, or one really smelly one.
One set of footsteps.
Two sets.
Wait…
I strained to listen.
Three sets.
I had my back to the room, and faced the stairway.
I waited.
My held breath tugged on my chest, but I couldn't breath. Shinobi had excellent hearing.
I waited.
A single boot entered my vision from the stairway. I clicked my stopwatch.
Time to go.
I leaned forward, before swinging back into a bridge, far enough back that I could grab railing, while facing the rest of the room. Then I swung my legs forward, launching myself straight up into the air upside down, facing the door.
Two of the three had moved to the nearest corners of the balcony, the last I saw downstairs. They spotted me, but I still had the initiative.
With a twist of my hips I righted myself up, landed, and bolted out the door.
One scent, right.
I went left.
I brought up my stopwatch again.
5m 33s.
I was still good on the chakra front.
I placed a foot on the wall at the next corner, sending a burst of chakra to launch my right way, recovering with a roll back, then continuing on my feet. The dent in the wall would give me away, but I was sure they were right on my ass anyway.
I didn't have a good measure of chakra bursts like that, but I estimated 1 minute of chakra per use. So…
6m 33s.
Maybe those guys would have been friendly, but I couldn't take the chance.
Of my past encounters so far, there were two general categories of guys: those looking for trouble, and the ones with a reason. The guys with a 'reason' to hate me either thought I knew why, didn't think it worth telling me, or were lying through their teeth when I asked.
I didn't get it.
What I did know was that it wasn't Mitsutada they cared about.
'He's dead, no big deal.' they'd say.
I hated it.
These guys definitely had a reason. They staked out the arena to get to me.
A T-intersection.
I crossed my index and middle fingers.
No, bad idea.
It didn't work 9 times out of 10, and when it did it used half my chakra.
6m 33s / 11m 27s.
I didn't have half my chakra.
I bolted right.
They were going to start closing in soon.
I took off the haori and my twin tails as I rounded another corner.
I heard a pursuer approaching.
I didn't know this area. I didn't know where I could loop around to double back or where the intersections were.
So I had to gamble.
I picked a door at random, one which didn't look like it belonged to someone's living quarters, and closed it behind me.
An office, the type connected with the labs. It seemed empty.
I hid behind the desk and waited.
The door to the hallway opened.
"He should be here."
I held my breath once more in defiance of the heavy rise and fall of my chest, holding my hands over my mouth to keep myself silent.
Then the door right in front of me opened, the one leading to the lab. In the doorway stood a blank faced woman in a lab coat. Short straight black hair.
Her gaze swept past me, and I felt my heart hiccup as it continued to the other occupants of the room.
She spoke in a calm monotone, like a robot. Not even stopping as she approached the side of the desk I wasn't hiding behind, and placing some files on the table.
"Is there something you need?"
The three shinobi(?) stopped, probably at some signal from whoever was in charge.
I'd wager it was silent-steps.
"We were following a black haired boy, have you seen them?"
The scientist continued working, their pace uninterrupted by the answer they gave.
"I didn't see a black haired boy come in here. If there is nothing else, please leave."
"Of course, sorry for the disturbance doctor."
Three sets of steps faded and then went mute behind the closed door.
Scientist working for Orochimaru = bad.
Person lying to protect me = good.
I was having difficulty computing the contradiction.
A minute later I got enough sense to get to my feet, slowly.
"Umm…. thank you."
I said with a bow.
Again, she didn't stop working.
"I merely told the truth."
True, but still-
I motioned to speak, but the door to the lab opened again. A much younger girl, also in a lab coat, stepped out.
Dizzy corkscrew kick girl.
My subconsciousness provided helpfully.
Isae.
My better self eventually caught up with.
"Doctor Ma- You!"
The girl pointed at me dramatically, her face filled with indignant rage.