Article 22 - Chapter 18 - Prices For The Leaf's Peace
Warnings: I do not own Naruto, it's intellectual property is owned by none other than Masashi Kishimoto. I own the OC's that I've added to the story and nothing more.
Notes: I'll get to editing more of the early chapters soon, but instead, here's another chapter! (:D) -Enjoy.
*** Call To Action: Looking for someone capable of being an editor/proofreader. Also accepting Beta's to hear opinions about chapters before I release the final draft to FFN (If you're interested, hit me up with a PM. Thank You!)***
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(Last Chapter: Excerpt)
The man across the table chuckled at my request. "I'm sure we could accommodate you with that, let me go have an order be put in." He said, standing out of the chair. It was pushed back making a scraping noise as he stood.
The man slipped out through the door leaving me alone once again. I celebrated each little victory I could get stalling this out.
The longer I can prolong them from getting information, the higher chance I can be bailed out by Hiashi-sama after his return. These people are nuts, maybe even more nuts than me. They aren't looking down on me at all. They are treating me like a intellectual equal… This isn't good at all.
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Steam rose distorting the air above the bowl with cloudy vapors. The heat rising kissed my skin in a welcoming sensation. The noodles a bit too hot to actually eat yet, so I shifted my attention wearily to the person who sat before me.
The blonde clan head sat in mild amusement at my excitement to finally be able to eat. His arms were crossed across his chest and he was wearing a cheeky grin unfitting of the location we found ourselves.
"I hear that you have been studying at the hospitals library. Do you have interest in becoming a medic-nin?"
Why would he lead with such a question?
"Medical Ninjutsu is certainly useful, and there's a lot of applications I could see myself using it for, but I do not intend to specialize as a medic-nin."
An eyebrow raised in what I assumed to be curiosity… But assumptions are dangerous here. He's only allowing me to see what he wants me to see.
"I see. At one point I wanted to become a medic-nin. I learned quite a bit before turning my attention back to intelligence gathering techniques and combat specialization. What kind of ninja do you see yourself becoming?"
"The strongest kunoichi from the hidden leaf. Strong enough to solve problems easily and protect what's important to me."
"We're alike in that sense. I became a ninja to protect what is important to me too. I strive to protect the village and my family. What is important to you Hyuga-kun?"
Trying to establish some commonalities are you? This man has a silver tongue.
I swallowed back all the saliva building in my mouth. Leaning forward, I started blowing on the surface broth so that it could be eaten sooner. I need to have my mouth occupied so he can stop asking so many questions.
"Did you know that the Hyuga have never produced an S ranked shinobi since the foundation of the hidden leaf?" I asked casually.
He leaned a bit forward, setting his elbows on the table to support his weight. He gave me ample eye contact and seemed interested in what I had to say. He thinks what I'm going to say here will be important… hmm…
"The Hyuga's pump out "A" ranked nin all the time, but the gap between the true elite and those that are just talented and strong has never been bridged by us. Why do you think that is?"
Inoichi acknowledged my question with a small nod, but took some time to grace my question with an answer.
"... "S" ranked ninja are a rarity who can't simply be made. The Hyuga, as blessed as they are with the Byakugan, can't simply be expected to rise to such a legendary status. That being said, I'm curious why you think the Hyuga's haven't had an "S" ranked shinobi yet."
He's deflecting. Is he implying his opinions doesn't matter or simply too intrigued by my own? Perhaps answering my own question reasonably would cause him to lose the metaphorical 'upper hand' in our discussions.
"Arrogance. Tradition. Self-Importance. Shortsightedness. Fear... These are the things holding back my clan. We don't offer the same opportunities to all the clan so that the main branch will have a power disparity over the side branch. They bind us with a seal to rob us of our freedom born of fear of the realization of our own capabilities."
I grabbed ahold of the chopsticks set before me and began twisting noodles around them.
"We are drilled with the idea that we already have refined our craft to such a degree we can make "A" ranked ninja's with ease. 'If it's not broken, then why fix it?' They probably think… We don't look to innovate, In fact innovation is heavily looked down upon in my clan. We are so obsessed with repeating our history we never pave a future… This causes a lot of us to suffer, but It's all we have ever known, so people won't speak up."
The chopsticks in my hand moved up to my lips and I slurped the noodles without regard to any etiquette.
Inoichi's mouth visibly dropped open at my words, even turning to look at the wall next to us before quickly glancing back.
The steaming delight slid down my throat easily while my taste buds celebrated the flavor. Mmmmmhhhh -Oh my Go-Goodness, this is truly phenomenal! No wonder Naruto and so many are completely obsessed with this food.
I pulled my attention back for a moment in order to steal looks at the man before me.
"So you are saying that you know better than your clan?" He asked looking for clarification.
"Yamanaka-san, Disregard what I think for a moment... What is your opinion?"
I really wanted to get back to this bowl of golden opportunity. It wasn't fair for him to dig like that anyways. Its obvious if you think about it that the clan doesn't care about improvement. They look to preserve what they have which will cause them to always be left behind.
I slurped more and more noodles from the bowl while hung over it, making sure not to lose any.
"I understand your perspective, but it's not your decision what the clans priorities are. Your clan head makes those decisions the same way the Hokage makes the decisions for the entirety of the leaf."
"There is no way to check the power of the clan heads from inside our own clans. The village has the counsel of advisers which help dictate the disposition of the Hokage. The Clan head's make their cases and apply their leverage to see the village still has the will of it's people at heart… But the clan heads are born into their power. I just want to see my people flourish and have their own voice."
…
My opinions must have taken these T.I. agents by surprise. I found myself quickly returned to my cell after finishing my ramen. I dropped them quite the bombshell and they are probably trying to make sense of it all right now.
I painted myself as a patriot to the leaf over that of any clans. A champion of the people. Only here, could I play such a card and expect people to praise me for it. They think I'm some sort of monster? I'll paint them a damn picture that I'm the leaf villages little monster. A girl so dejected by her own clan that she's willing to do anything to change it. It explains away my endless dedication and secrecy.
The corners of my mouth began spreading apart and rising. They pinched into a elated grin at my ploy to redefine the problem. Perhaps they will even task me with personally changing the clan and revere me as a hero! The Irony would be more scrumptious than a thousand ramen bowls.
The fact they didn't even bother to blindfold me before returning me to the cell proves how effective my last ditch effort was. The board had been flipped and now the game would be completely redefined.
Despite the cold atmosphere of the room, a steady heat burned in my chest. The heat of pride, the heat of joy, the heat of satisfaction.
Being proactive is the only way to live. Where would I be if I senselessly depended on the metaphysical?
Footsteps sounded in the distance. Pat, pat, pat, pat.
They stopped… I swear they stopped in front of my cell door. This is way too quick! They can't have realistically revised their interrogation strategy already. ~impossible.
*Creeeeeeak*
The flap used to slide food into the room lifted and an item slid through falling to the ground with a slaaaap.
Hm? Wha… A paperback? Footsteps sounded again, getting quieter each step until they disappeared into silence.
I cautiously lifted myself up from the mattress, making my way over to the item which had been dropped into my cell.
Tales of Old: A Collection of 100 Legends
A children's storybook? What great sense of taste they have… Well I suppose this is just further proof that I played my cards right.
I pried the book open in the middle and began thumbing through pages until a story caught my eye… Article 57: Ryu Doragonsamonā.
Ryu the Dragon Summoner huh? No wonder this is in the collection of legends and folktales. If you could summon dragons then who would ever want toads, slugs, or crows. Dragons, as majestic as they are, would be the ultimate summons.
-Stupid Kishimoto would have flaunted the fact if there were any Dragons that had summoning contracts… but then again, I learn new things about this world everyday. Perhaps I shouldn't be so close minded… and besides, if there is a dragon contract - I WANT IT.
It's silly right? That I could be so calm right now fantasizing about some non existent dragon contract while imprisoned and fearful for my future. I managed to calm down significantly since my last talk with Inoichi Yamanaka.
Once upon a time, A legendary warrior lead his group of people overseas and began his conquest across the land. He was feared by the natives for his tremendous power. With the clap of his hands, Dragons would appear to breathe fire across and scorch the face of the world. All those that stood between this man and his goals were turned to ash.
Ryu Raitofangu, this legendary conqueror, appeared demanding the attention of the entire land. He held far too much power for a single man alone, so the neighboring clans banded together in unison to fight the tyrant. Many died. Each battle cost the people, who were set on defending their homeland, dearly.
The pride and arrogance of the dragon summoner grew, until he found himself ambushed in a small cave. A cave too small to allow him to bring forth his legendary beasts. The perfect trap. He was slain causing the world to rejoice and celebrate the freedom of the people. The Tyrant had fallen. The people had won.
Pshhht - Ridiculous, they aren't even trying to make it believable. These really are just childish fairy tales…
"You have been quite busy, one of little faith."
My head jerked out from between the pages of the book causing it to fall to the floor. I shot to my feet spinning around trying to find whatever it had decided to possess this time. He won't catch me unaware again!
"Show yourself!"
As hard as I searched I couldn't find anything or anyone else around me that jumped out.
"You seem to have landed into dire straits, one of such little faith." The sound was inside my own head. This time it violated the sanctity of my mind.
"-And I bet I have you to thank for that don't I?!" I said this outloud before realizing if anyone was watching me I'd probably look mad.
"If you wish to be rescued from hardships and receive salvation, you need only to pray for it."
I opened my mouth, then chastised myself quickly before answering in my head: "You expect me to allow you to manipulate me into prayer to leave here? -No. I don't need mercy from such a petty being such as yourself."
"You would rather jeopardize your fate than praise my name?"
"Lead me not into temptation demon! I make my own way and follow no one. If you are actually 'God', do you intend to deny me my own free will?!"
"It would seem you still require convincing… Perhaps you are just not yet ready. Maybe next time..." The last few words rung inside my head like an echo. I cursed repeatedly, flinging my fists into the wall before me.
"Maybe-next-time…"
The skin around my knuckles shred and tore leaving red splotches on the wall, slowly dripping in lines in pursuit of the floor.
-I hate you, you damn demon! DIE, DIE, DIE! I WILL KILL YOU BEING-X, -JUST YOU WAIT.
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After some time I was retrieved again. Tossed into the small investigative room again. Being left alone while my ankles were shackled back to my seat once again.
This place is truly terrible. I just want to leave. I hate their underhanded methods in attempts to break me. Completely unacceptable… but I have to remain sensible. I can't lose my shit while they are evaluating me under such a fine tuned microscope.
I started taking deep breaths in hopes to still the turbulence in my heart - To ease the unease - To calm the storm brewing.
The door flew open impacting the wall with a thunderous roar. I winced as the sound reverberated uncomfortably within my ears. The sinister figure within the black trench coat eyed me maliciously.
What the hell is this man's problem?!
"Mina Hyuga… You've been quite the naughty girl haven't you?" The man's lips curled up after uttering his words.
What the hell? Where is this world's Child Protective Agency to protect me from such a lunatic!? And what the hell is wrong with his word choice, does he intend to sound like such a rampaging pedophile?
"My only question I have is... why? What are your REAL intentions? You don't expect me to believe everything you've done is for everyone else's benefits do you? No one who knows you would ever believe that little girl-"
"-Wha-"
"-Silence! Did I give you permission to talk?"
I shook my head indicating I understood him… My frustration that burned like the sun… was dying underneath the fear that began hatching. It was impossible to stay calm like this!
"Seems like you can UNDERSTAND authority, can't you girl? -What can't you hear me girl? DO YOU UNDERSTAND AUTHORITY?"
This was unfair! HOW UNFAIR! How can he ask questions like this, demand answers, and expect me to not speak up. FUCK HIM.
I nodded in acknowledgement against every instinct in my body. My rational mind knew what must be done.
He spun his seat around sitting on it backwards, leading his arms against the back as he stared at my face.
"I'll give you my permission to speak… Girl… So why? Why are we here right now, forcing me to waste my time on a shitstain like yourself?"
I was like a deer caught in the headlights. My mind whirred trying to piece together anything I could say… but I only was able to indignantly gape at the man to which I had no answer. Who could prepare for this?!
"You, the so called 'Prodigy of Prodigies' are staring at me like you're retarded. Are you retarded girl? -Or perhaps you just expect I am?"
I begged with my body language to let me say something. I put my hands together and mustered as much confusion as possible (Which after this display was not difficult at all.)
"Yes? Do you have an answer now? -Speak."
"Your question is far too open ended to understand how I can answer it sir."
His eyes narrowed into slits while his brows furrowed together. I didn't know it was possible, but the man's face became even more unpleasant.
He leapt from his chair, grabbing the backrest and… and... swung it into the wall behind him with so much force and rage. The wooden chair split and fragmented into innumerable pieces that shot across the room. I shut my eyes to protect them from the shrapnel. Splinters had still found their way embedded in my skin all over my body, but my internal alarm blared too loud for my focus to remain on that for longer than a second, demanding me to pay attention to the psychopath before me for my future survival.
How did it come to this? Is this his version of flipping the board? Is this how you play when things don't go according to your plans Ibiki?! Damn you Being-X!
My eyes shot open, wide with panic, carefully locked onto the man. I couldn't afford to take my eyes off the danger in front of me for long. It seemed fear coursed through my veins in place of blood. My cowardice too strong to fight down using my practiced methods.
"W-w-w-what I-Is G-goin' O-on!?" I shrieked.
That man peered into me with his glance like I were completely transparent. He looked fearful at what he saw. WHAT DOES HE KNOW?!
"Have you ever been truthful a day of your miserable life?"
No...No I hadn't.
"Of-course!" I lied.
I dared not move… Not a single muscle…
The man scoffed as he left the room, slamming the door behind him.
My legs trembled and I could not still them. My seat had became warm and moist… I pissed myself?! I thought in horror.
I was mortified upon my discovery. I was so very weak. I had not realized it to such an extent until now. I knew it was only a matter of time until I wouldn't be able to hold out against them. They are not born to the same rules for investigators of my last world. Their methods were too extreme and I was woefully unprepared.
Tears welled in my eyes but I had lost the illusion of control I had painted for myself. Ibiki's artistic talents far surpassed my own. He had stripped me from all the beautiful illusions that helped me stay together.
I was ready to cry… I was so close… but the dreadful door opened again to my terror. My lungs sucked in air too quickly and I choked on it, causing a coughing fit that I wasn't recovering from.
I'm pathetic… So pathetic… I thought while fighting through my breathless hacks.
A firm hand found its way on my shoulder causing me to look at whoever it was.
My stomach lurched.
Ibiki was before me, with his bandanna off and a wide range of scars visible. I couldn't hold it back… A stream of acid shot through my mouth and nose burning both and landing in my lap. If there was any solace that came from that, it was that perhaps he wouldn't have realized I had pissed myself.
"Do you know what unites us all Mina?"
I shook my head no in a panicked frenzy.
"Pain… We are united in pain. I can see we just aren't close enough yet to warrant the truth from you. So let's correct that. Let's experience pain together shall we?"
The trench coat wearing agent bit into skin above his knuckle on his thumb. Blood squirted and leaked from the new wound. He quickly spread blood to his palm. He then struck the ground with the same palm of his hand, causing black ink to travel out like webbing, and a thick cloud of smoke to fill the air.
The smoke got caught in my irritated lungs only sparking a new coughing fit.
Bands extended and wrapped around my body lifting it into the air. The chair I had been sitting in snapped beneath me and all of my appendages were restrained.
A tendril slid beneath my hanging feet and a horrible image appeared in my head.
"We will feel the same pain Mina! Ready yourself!"
I made out the hated figure of the man across me also restrained the same way. A tendril snaked behind him, then launched at him striking his back with a winded CRAAACK.
A graceless grunt escaped his mouth as his whole body jumped.
CRAAACK.
A searing pain appearing in a line burned from my back. My entire body wanted to escape as I fought against my restraints.
CRAAACK. CRAAACK.
"EGHHHAA!" I screeched. FUCK!
"-Aaah!" Ibiki whimpered with teeth clenched still smiling.
CRAAACK. CRAAACK.
"Your Insane!" I screamed. Tears spilling down my face in my torment.
"People say the same thing about you." He spit out between the whip strikes.
CRAAACK. CRAAACK.
The wounds on my back oozed warm blood, only adding to the incessant fucking dripping in the room.
Drip, drip, drip… CRAAACK. CRAAACK.
I lost all ability to rationally think. I deconstructed into the primal emotions I tried so hard to fight against. I had been soundly and utterly defeated.
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(Inoichi POV)
Inoichi Yamanaka stared at the scene in horror at how far Ibiki would go without even any tangible evidence of any treachery. Ibiki would have never gone so far so quickly before. He had always been a cautious man, so how had it come to this?
CRAAACK. CRAAACK.
The blonde shuddered from the scene. This was terrible. Why had Mina's statement provoked such a response from him? What connection did he make? Why did he refuse to explain himself? Is this all on a whim? A gut instinct?
CRAAACK. CRAAACK.
It was making him sick to even watch the spectacle before him.
"There are some days that this job makes me want to crawl under a rock."
Inoichi straightened his back at the voice sounding behind him. He turned to see an elderly man dressed in white and red garbs.
"Third-sama… Yes, this job occasionally is very difficult to bear."
"The responsibility of countless of lives depend on us. They require that we leave no stone unturned for the protection and well-being of the collective... It's a tragedy that it came to this."
"Sir, do you believe the ends justify the means?"
A pained and tired sigh sounded from the elder. "I've started to question that myself…" His voice was full of years of regret bubbling over into his very words.
The blonde looked back to the orb which no longer displayed the two being whipped. The little girl hung lifelessly from her restrains, unconscious.
Ibiki fell to the floor, the muscles on his back twitching while rasping for breath.
"Medic-nin, go attend to both of them, quickly!" Inoichi barked.
The man scurried out the room at a breakneck pace, soon appearing inside the ball while administering a green glow by touch to the still restrained unconscious girl.
Are they really any closer to cracking her? Wasn't she already cracked by his first display? She had even wet herself before he went back in for the kill. It seemed counterproductive that he would do things this way.
In fact, It made no sense, but now that Ibiki was head of the special division, he himself didn't have the power to stop the man. He could only help her from the shadows, like when he slipped some reading material into her cell.
Why has it come to this? - and why so quickly?
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Authors Notes: Zemptai-sama again, this T.I. arc thankfully only has one more chapter to go. Afterward the events leading up to the Uchiha Massacre will soon follow. I've been wanting to write this part of the story from chapter 1, but just had to get here so I'm super excited.
Reviewer Question: - Who would you pair/ship with our MC, and why?
***I'm attaching this to every chapter until someone answers me LOL***
(If you wouldn't ship anyone, you can just as well say no'one and explain your reason as well!)
I write so I can share with you guys, and it warms my heart to hear your opinions and interact with the readers.
…
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