Article 26 - Chapter 22 - Transcending the Fear and Doubt
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: Hello! 4/24/2019, it's already been 3 months since I published the first chapter of the fanfiction, and I'm so thankful for everyone's support. We are already at 200 favorites and 260+ follows. Life has been a bit hectic for me lately and I find myself with so little free time to myself to actually get in the mood of writing. I can't let the fans wait forever though, so finally after 2 months, I make my return. Let me know how I did with the chapter and your opinions on the story so far!
*** 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!)***
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Last Chapter: Excerpt)
Obito's eyes narrowed at my declaration. He seemed to be deciding whether it was worth killing me or leaving me alive. I felt like I was being scrutinized by the advanced eye of a appraiser. Was I going to survive the night? It was now all left up to this man infront of me.
"I see… What are your future plans?" He asked still on guard.
"Well, now that you're here I imagine that recreating the human puppet will be much easier. I ask for your assistance in the forced manifestation of the two boy's MS. It would also be very helpful if you could fetch any data on Sasori's blood puppet jutsu... In return, I will give you an EMS sharingan… and as soon as I age enough... I will enter the Akatsuki to assist you in the capture of the tailed beasts."
┬┴┬┴┤ Chapter 22 ├┬┴┬┴
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina Alibi Clone POV)
(Several Minutes Before.)
The banquet hall was filled to the brim, even bursting outside, with strong political allies and the entirety of the Hyuga clan off assignments. Eloquent yet sensible chandeliers hung from the at least 15 foot ceiling. The room bustled with activity and murmurs amongst the people. I received hostile stares from the main branch members who literally surrounded me spare a select few.
I had been placed at lady Hinata's left side due to both my respected reputation and my "promotion" from megar side-branch fodder to Hinata's personal guard. They called it a promotion, but had neglected to inquire of my opinion or desires.
Of course I didn't want this responsibility, but I had long known of the inevitability. I would be scooted into my role like a good girl so that I can at least gain more intelligence to be able to pass back to the Sandaime.
From my peripheral vision I noticed a whore rubbing up on some middle aged man who had left his prime and now relied on his social status.
Disgusting, they have no shame even amongst all these people? -and children?
He jerked a bit causing the woman on his lap to tip the glass over impacting the ceramic floor with a Kshhhttk.
I briefly smiled at the thought of how much attention they had just attracted. They'll probably have to behave for a while now.
I shifted my focus back to the thoughts of the my rise to Jōnin.
The more valuable the intelligence, the greater he will value me. With my plans to fast track myself I should be capable of becoming a Jōnin, hopefully within the next 6 years. Only 6 more years under the thumb of the oppressive Hyuga.
Hiashi had rented out this building for the celebration, probably to avoid the clan from becoming involved in the bloodshed that would become the Uchiha massacre. I didn't know how much he knew, but I could tell the fact the entirety of the clan was outside the village limits was no mere coincidence. There was a purpose for removing us all from the village. It was either directive from the top, or Hiashi's personal decision after contemplation.
It's ironic, this whole spectacle is somewhat of an alibi for the clan while keeping them uninvolved, which is exactly what I was using this social function for as well. I would be seen here by many. Even if the mission ended up failing, I should be able to escape suspicion.
When the mission is complete and I receive the signal, then I'll quickly slip off so that the substitution could go unnoticed.
"Mina-kun?" a faint voice called out to me.
I readopted my sociable smile and turned to the right to face the girl. "Yes, Hinata-sama?"
"I'm sorry father is forcing you to become my bodyguard…" She whispered so the crowd around us wouldn't hear. She had so little self-esteem she hardly made eye contact with people as she talked to them. Many amongst the main branch incorrectly speculated this to be due to a feeling of superiority due to being the heir.
"It is no problem Hinata-sama. Had I been asked I would have gladly accepted the position." I lied with practiced finesse.
She looked startled upon the realization, but it did little to appease her. She was always upset with the responsibility of her role.
I was envious that she was born into such a favorable position. Had that been my spot I would be well on my way of overtaking the patriarch and establishing a new age of reform.
"You look unhappy my lady, is there something I can get for you?" I asked hoping to be excused from the table to stretch my legs.
Her eyes darted to mine but quickly retreated to her lap. She started to blush and I could tell she was embarrassed. A child younger than her was responsible for her when she just wanted to be responsible for herself.
For a brief moment, I got lost in admiration of the cute girl.
Hinata had several qualities that I lacked. She was a true maiden, her shy naivety is enticing as well as her vanilla beauty. Her hair had so much potential but she refused to grow it out because of her lack of self confidence. It's honestly a shame.
Long hair was in a sense a sign of pride as well a declaration of superiority. Only the Strong or stupid would allow themselves to be handicapped.
As much as I preach sensibility and pragmatism, I also wish to uphold myself to higher standards. My hair will be my pride even if it is devoid of pigmentation.
I hadn't decided yet, but I was toying with the idea of dying my hair. I could meld into normalcy if I died it black or I could continue standing in a stark contrast to those who surround me.
I am already the outsider, and I'm not ashamed of my hair, it just lacked the same aesthetic I craved in my past life. I ended up as a woman, so I might as well tailor my looks to my satisfaction -no?
I refocused on the maiden heiress and felt a bit brave. I decided to start asserting myself as the alpha between us whenever I could. She was a blank canvas and she could still be dyed any color.
"Are you sure you don't want anything?" I asked in a hushed whisper to avoid those around us in discovering my 'second guessing' the heir.
She shook her head 'no' in acknowledgement of the question.
"...How are you so strong?" Hinata asked before she seemed to realize her words and her hands shot to her mouth as her cheeks began to redden.
I was taken back by the question and didn't really know what I was going to respond with, but before I could respond the girl quickly finished with: "Sorry — I just—"
I didn't understand why, but I started talking before my brain could arrive at a conclusion.
"You must find something you want to protect. Some people want to protect their pride, social status, loved ones… whatever it is, it needs to inspire you."
I started to process what I had just blurted out as easily as if it were a concrete fact I had memorized…
My brain hummed as it tried to poke holes in my explanation, but a stern look of understanding arrived on the heirs face. She seemed to absorb my explanation faster than I could deconstruct what I actually said.
"...What do you want to protect?" Hinata asked.
What do I want to protect? Do I want to protect anything besides myself? I suppose my ideals and my self-preservation are my primary motivations… I suppose one could say that I am 'basic,' however I can't admit that to the heir...
"My ideals… my beliefs. I believe one day I will be able to leave my mark upon this world for the better…and I will need to protect you to be sure you can see it all."
Hinata's cheeks still remained flush of embarrassment.
"I believe lady Hinata-sama is sick, she's looked like she has had a fever half the night." A main-branch boy called haphazardly across the table.
More people around us pulled their focus back to the heir and she became the talk of the table.
I watched as her hands grasped and crumpled her kimono nervously beneath the table.
"Yeah, Hinata-sama, are you feeling alright?" a girl asked.
"I - I'm alright…" Hinata said still flustered nervously waving off the statement with both of her arms in front of her body.
Curious eyes scanned over her which made her slump into her seat somewhat, just enough to be noticed, yet not enough to be scolded from the clan.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina POV)
…
My answer caused Obito's shoulders to finally relax. Thank god! It seems I might live after all!
"I see… Those are enticing terms Izuna. Hmm… a forcibly awakened MS sharingan used in a puppet… I would have never even thought to use such a thing." He admitted.
"The puppet will be significantly easier for me to control because of the Hyuga's ability to completely control the bodies tenketsu, then on top of that I have the Shikotsumyaku so I plan to mount the puppet on my back and feed it chakra from my own body."
"Are you not worried about the lack of mobility that will cause you?"
"The slight loss in mobility will be worth the reduction of lag time it usually takes for a puppeteer to initiate an action and when the action actually begins. I want to be able to use the sharingan nearly instantaneously and if that means I strap it to my back so be it." I replied.
The man before me hummed softly at my response.
I walked closer to the cloaked man, pushing a bone from my body to display the use of the kekkei genkai. "It will require a locking seal that I can activate at will… which honestly I have no idea how to do. Losing the bulk of my memories is quite infuriating…" I hissed.
Obito bent forward and… and began laughing. A hard booming laughter cut into the air causing my hair to stand on end.
"I see. Izuna you might even be more interesting than your brother. Without having met you, I would have never guessed. -Reincarnation huh? I wonder if Madara will get impatient and just try that too." Obito joked.
"I doubt it. He is too much of a perfectionist to change his plans this deep." I replied honestly.
-But that just caused a greater laughing spell from the Uchiha. A gut wrenching boom escaped his lips, causing the pipes to reverberate with sound.
Careful there, your gonna get me caught laughing like that!
"Heh, you liked that?" I nervously teased.
Obito composed himself, and replaced the mask onto his face before responding with: "So you want my assistance do you? I suppose I can lend a hand until the massacre is poised to begin."
"A… massacre? Surely you don't mean the clan?" I asked feinting the knowledge.
Obito froze causing me to hold my breath in anticipation.
"I do... It will be me and this up and comer, Itachi Uchiha. He is a piece I've been eyeing for some time. I believe he will be a key to the success of the Eye of the Moon plan while we can eliminate the leaf indoctrinated Uchiha that could potentially throw a wrench in the plans. You should honestly see him at work Izuna, he reminds me a lot of the stories of you." He commented.
Alright, act just a little surprised… Yup, there we go. Now go in for the kill.
"Alright, well… I guess I'll lead the way to the lab I was going to use for the experiment. Would you mind following me?" I asked.
He fell in step behind myself without any further words. The only sounds were the droplets impacting the lead-ceramic pipe surface and the sloshes of our feet. We quickly arrived at the lab, and before my main body could realize what was going on, I dispelled myself.
…
My conscious transferred to my main body. One half of me wanted to scream in terror at the memories that merged with me and the man standing before me, but instead a more controlled part of myself responded: "Wonderful, you're here."
Wonderful?! It's a wonder he hasn't just killed me! - but… Knowledge is what I seek... and he has a treasure trove of it… maybe this is secretly wonderful…
"Alright, let me just strap down these three and blindfold them." I announced walking to the unconscious body soaked in filth and laying on the ground.
It wasn't my intention to drop them into the disgusting sewage, but my surprise overwrote all other processes diverting all my effort into pulling out some of the most spectacular improvisational bullshit I possibly could have.
I took quick labored steps carrying the teenager and tossing him atop the table. I quickly stripped him of his disgusting clothing and wiped down his body with 90% proof alcohol for sterilization.
I quickly threw a fresh white sheet over the man so that my eyes wouldn't drift over his naked body… Eww. Pull your mind out of the gutter.
My clones tossed the others on the operating tables to the left and right of me, strapping them in and also blindfolding them.
"So… What exactly are you trying at?" Obito asked from behind his mask.
"I'm going to kill these kid's mother in front of them, however I want them to feel like they had a hand in it, and I think we can increase the reliability of the awakening alongside your mangekyo enchanced genjutsu."
"What is the purpose of the genjutsu? You are trying to increase the reliability of the awakening? -How do you intend to do that?" Obito asked sounding suspicious.
"My plan for the genjutsu is to attempt to diversify the abilities that would be awakened, but yes I think that the genjutsu could help to amplify their emotions which could indirectly result in an increased reliability of awakening. As you know, the special ability awakened in each eye is decided by how they awoke the MS, so I want one to see their brother choose to save himself over the mother and we do the job, and the other could see the brother want to save the mother but the mother commits suicide to protect them."
Obito stood eerily still throughout my speech, and even after finishing he remained unmoved and silent.
A long pause stretched uncomfortably causing tension to build in my muscles.
"You are far more ruthless than your' brother had lead me to believe."
Dread swept over me but I did my best to suppress any showings of it. I casually waved away his statement with my hand.
"This being my second go at life, I'm much more grounded in understanding. I know what must be done." I replied.
"Yes, of course… Izuna… What is it like post death?"
I noticed him gripping the edge of the operating table while his mask faced me. I didn't know what I should tell him…
"It felt like the most extreme version of isolation. I could watch… I could travel… but I could never interact… never participate. I'm certain if I had entered the pure land it would have been different, but my attachment to this world bound me like an anchor until I finally found an out."
"I wonder… If I died what would become of me. Would I strive to meet those whom have already dearly departed… or would I continue striving to reshape this world."
An icy chill crept over my neck causing the hair there to stand on end.
Knowing this man's story, there is little doubt that he is defective and is still lost. Madara had turned him through manipulation, and Naruto ended up turning him back many years from now after breaking his flawed outlook with "talk no jutsu."
"Do you want to change the world for those that you have lost along the way, the people still here, or perhaps for the future generations?" I asked truly curious.
"I want a world devoid of the flaws and corruption of humanities evil."
You say that but is that really what you want?
I attempted to peer through the guise of his mask to discern his true disposition but found myself without any answer.
"I want to spite the creator of this imperfect world by fixing all their 'mistakes,' but I can't help to think all my effort will only result in something like a bandage… only covering up the problem."
Obito smashed a fist into the table jolting the body strapped to the table awake with a Kchooom!
"Project: Tsukuyomi is not a bandage - It is our only answer!" Obito spat.
"I'm not saying it's not, but even under the most ideal conditions the people will still die. The tree does not sustain them indefinitely. Only each person's dreams are complete. Does that or does that not sound like a bandage?"
"Mmhhhmm Mhmmmphh!" The body atop the table mumbled against their restraints.
After finishing, I realized that I was prodding a vicious beast and testing his patience.
Why do I let my argumentative nature drag me into trouble?!
Obito clenched and unclenched a hand several times staring at it.
"Mm-MMAAPH!" The squirming captive hummed frantically.
"... a bandage... Nonsense." He uttered under his breath.
I inwardly rejoiced at his reaction, it could have been much worse.
I must be more careful. I have to remain careful around Obito, tearing down at the foundation of his beliefs will only cause him to become more unstable.
I retrieved my trusty syringe and sedated the unruly captive again. The kicks and squirms of protest with the accompanied muffled cries began to wean in intensity until the subject fell into a peaceful slumber.
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(Mina Alibi Clone POV)
…..
Energy surged into me. The brief moment of breathlessness startled me, causing me to let out an ungraceful wheeze which was overheard by the bystanders surrounding me. The eyes which were previously fixated on Hinata were dragged to me.
Obito Uchiha… Is with my main body… Will I be okay?
"Mina-chan?" a voice called out to me but I was too lost in thoughts to even spend the effort to identify who spoke.
With wobbly arms I pushed myself out of my chair and onto my feet.
"Excuse me, I'm going to use the bathroom."
I turned and began putting distance between the table and myself. I could hear the whispers behind me as I turned to leave, but I didn't care, I just wanted to make my way to the bathroom. I skillfully wove through the crowd of people zipping left and right past the innumerable faces.
My breathing was starting to return to normal, but intake still felt awfully hot and strained. My spine was uncomfortably straight as I neared the door. I calmly yanked the door handle and slid inside.
Inside, I found several women gossiping in front of the mirror to my disappointment. I walked closer and noted that none of them seemed even remotely interested in me since I had walked in, so I stood at the corner of the mirror and inspected my face.
My forehead was moist with perspiration despite minutes ago being fine.
I can hold up, this can still end to my advantage… at the very least I won't need to become a Jonin in order to leave my clan, I could just defect to the Akatsuki. However if I go through with this I am now making an enemy of all the people I had bonded with thus far… Will the freedom be worth it?
Thoughts swirled inside my head as I wiped my forehead with a towel. the idea of the betrayal - of everything up to now, the people, their ideas, ideals, everything. There would be no turning back.
Am I considering staying? Is it even possible? Doubtful… Ayasha… If your watching over me… I'm sorry… But nothing worth doing is ever easy… is it?
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina POV)
A warped suction sound projected behind me causing me to turn to confirm my suspicion.
A distorted space where light bended and folded around while a a cloaked figure stepped through the space with steady footing.
"Were you able to find it?" I asked.
"I do believe this manuscript has the majority of the process you were searching for. It was the original property of Sasori."
"Will Sasori have a problem with you giving me this knowledge?"
Obito let out a low chuckle which seemed to reverberate through my body uncomfortably. "It'll be fine, leave it to me."
Okay… As off as the guy is, Obito is an invaluable ally, even if we are just using each other for our own means, and even if its only temporary.
I tried to look at the bright side of the scenario I found myself in. If I lose focus on the positive I'll be swept up into a sea of negativity.
My eyes caught sight of the studded cover of the manuscript being held in the hand extended out to me.
This is what I've been working for… for years… Just handed to me… Is this real? Perhaps a dream?
I reached out and wrapped my fingers around the book. The heft in my palm calmed the turbulence that roared in my heart. I looked with anticipation to the cover which was dark brown with an emblem of a red scorpion on the front.
I glanced back up at Obito expectantly, it seemed too easy. Too perfect.
"Well? That's what you wanted, correct?" he said.
I flipped through the aged pages carefully to preserve it. It was precious. The margins were crammed full of notes of observations and information from the author. Each page also contained diagrams, pictures, procedures, ect…
Marvelous! This is exactly what I needed!
My lip curved into an elated grin.
I couldn't ask for more competent help. With this I think we can finally begin.
"Yes, this is perfect." I responded.
"Alright. In a few moments Zetsu will arrive and then we can begin."
A shiver swept over me quickly. Zetsu? The Black portion of Zetsu is the will of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki… how will Zetsu view me? Will Zetsu be able to turn Obito on me?
I had hoped I could stall this meeting for years… to have more prep time than to just having it heaved on me with perhaps a few minutes of anticipation.
How can I prepare? -No, I will be fine, just stick to the story. If he attempts to discredit me at worst I'll expose it to Obito and perhaps be able to buy my life by throwing Zetsu under the bus.
It was a terrible plan… But I was out of time, I'd rather commit to a half baked plan than try for another spectacular improvisation. Something told me that the little luck I had was going to run out if I left anything to chance.
"A few moments?" I asked with a faint smile to hide my anxiety.
Obito folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall. A still silence filled the room awakening more of my panic than I'd like to admit.
The slightest low hum became audible which caught my attention as I tried to zero in on the noise. I looked down as the noise got louder and the ground beneath began to vibrate gently. Rootlike appendages twisted and poked between the cracks between rock slabs used as flooring.
The form continued twisting and accumulating until It shaped itself into a familiar figure from my distant memories.
"Hmm… what do we have here?" A rambunctious voice cut into the silence.
The white half of Zetsu looked amused as it peered at me, however the black half of Zetsu's eye never left me, trained on me like a bloodhound, inspecting, analysing.
If I were a Yamanaka I might be able to hear his thoughts… how glorious would that be rather than the staring match we seem to be having.
I relented first… I didn't want to raise too much suspicion.
"A Hyuga?" Black Zetsu asked softly while glancing to Obito for confirmation.
I took a step forward while sticking my chest out. "I am your new ally. I will be joining the Akatsuki in time, and will be carrying out orders for the 'Eye of the Moon' plan."
I watched Black Zetsu slightly twitch at the mention of the "Eye of the Moon."
Obito lifted his arms into the air like a showmen making an announcement. "Will of Madara… Let me introduce you to none other than Izuna Uchiha."
A disastrous explosion of saturninity rung like a mute chorus. Everything felt far too still, even my heart felt inactive.
Being-X?!
I scanned the environment expecting to find a sign of divine intervention. A surefire conclusion due to the experience I had with the devil. He must be at work!
Despite my full confidence of 'it's' involvement, I couldn't extrapolate any evidence of interference. I returned my gaze to the form of Zetsu.
A youthful acceptance painted on the white Zetsu's visage… Understandable, seems the white zetsu's are quite ignorant due to their lack of experience and knowledge.
I felt a lump appear in my throat that refused to disappear despite my attempts to swallow. The black Zetsu half remained speechless even as I could imagine all the thoughts that could be swirling amongst his consciousness.
She is not Izuna. She is a threat. She is a danger to the plan. He must be thinking at least a few of these, no?
The silence was interrupted by Obito first having noticed our deadlocked stares.
"Zetsu?" He asked questionably before his eyes locked on my own.
The glint of his sharingan was mesmerizing and absolutely terrifying. Especially now as he faced me like I could be a potential enemy.
The black form broke their shell of apathy by breaking into a maniacal cackle. The laughter so deeply demented it felt more in place in a nightmare. A work of fiction. A final fantasy that haunts generations through the mythical legends adults would tell children.
The black figure took a step closer and the rest of his body quickly followed suit. Clunk, Clunk, Clunk…
My paranoia superseded my common sense, I took a panicked step back. Retreat… Retreat… Death…
My subconscious blared over my thoughts promising an impending doom.
Even in my last moments I was only a mere coward… Could I have accomplished anything if I hadn't been so focused on piggybacking off the strength of kekkei genkai? I used to think it was simply sensible to aspire for its strength and make it mine. Regret… I regret nothing! Had that shitty 'God' played fair It would have worked… right?
"Fantastic! … Wonderful! … Welcome to the team… Izuna."
It sounded like a joke… one that poorly disguised the punchline. My eyes shifted between those present endlessly, lapping up all the information I could. I accepted my helplessness but it seemed as if Obito hadn't caught on to Zetsu's joke… He didn't look like he knew I was a fraud, even going as far as to turn his back to me to scroll through some of my old research papers laid atop the steel countertop.
In disbelief, I looked back to Zetsu who was now directly in front of me with a dastardly wicked grin.
Was Obito just leaving this to Zetsu? Can I escape? Can I live?
Adrenaline surged through the entirety of my body, skillfully ripping away the panic-locked tension wove through every muscle.
The black hand stalled in the air that encroached into my personal space. My eyes couldn't believe what they saw… it must be a genjutsu!?
Black Zetsu held his hand in the air… like he wanted a high five.
Inescapable confusion dazed me as I stood dumbfounded.
A white arm sailed through the air and the hand connected with the black palm.
What?
...The white half of Zetsu just high fived the black half? What the fuck?
I stared blankly at the figure in front of me with my expectations shattered.
Joyous laughter rung out as the black half of Zetsu replied with soft rebukes to white Zetsu.
So… Zetsu doesn't know? I wondered as I fought the urge to throw my hands up or scratch my head.
Zetsu turned and began making his way over to Obito.
The paranoia drained from me as I internally cursed my instincts. I had almost revealed myself as a traitor under pressure… I was so sure that he knew… Perhaps my instincts are not the most reliable tool.
I'll even take failed leaps over half-steps at this point.
I swallowed my doubt, deleting it from my mind. My little struggle had taught me something valuable.
Living in fear isn't living at all. Sure, perhaps a bit of fear is healthy, but I'm committed to my part and I don't have the time or energy to constantly second guess myself. Whatever happens, I will act with confidence. Confidence in the plan… in my decisions, and in my actions. I need to face the future and swallow my doubt. This feeling I have right now, I'll never let it go.
I'm not worried at all anymore. All of those countless days and nights spent continuously fretting. Finally… instead now a peaceful calm resided inside my heart.
Look into my soul YOU DEVIL, you'll no longer find the plague of doubt and fear, only absolute certainty.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Leon POV)
A shrill scream filled the air, it was mine. The wound opened by the knife like the skin was butter. The crimson liquid oozed from the wound beside the open jugular now exposed to the air. Each heartbeat caused a shot of blood to pour and squirt from the body.
"NOOOOOO! MOTHER!"
My eyes twitched and felt hot. My despair and rage leaked into the air through a ghastly aura. Pain seized my eyes as well as the prefrontal cortex of my brain. They seared and liquid bubbled out from the edges of my eyes sliding down my cheeks. A ancient and primal power snapped awake from deep within me flooding over me and filling me with the hope that I could crush the white haired girl that had convinced my mother to end her own life.
She was a demon hiding in the skin of a little girl. She was a monster. To make it worse, she was a Hyuga. It was my responsibility to wipe her from the realm of the living. To exorcise the evil in front of me - it consumed my thoughts, fueling my passion to even greater heights.
"AHGHH!" I shouted as my vision distorted. The three tomoe in my eyes I felt stretch into what I could only assume was a pinwheel formation. I had unlocked the clans ultimate weapon! I have the power to fight!
DAMAGE! MAIM! KILL! Sharingan manafest my will! Destroy my enemy!
The pain felt oddly welcoming despite my body's cries of agony. I felt waves of distortion push from my vision causing it to become fuzzier. White ethereal threading materialized itself from thin air and stretched towards the girl, curling and winding as it manifested like an apparition.
Further! FURTHER! KILL!
Elation surged into me as I saw the ghastly threads wind around and penetrate my target.
YES! DIE!
The pain caused my eyes to clamp shut despite the smile I wore like a badge of honor. I got her… The man is next!
The light bleeding through my closed eyelids felt like the red light from a neon sign, it faintly reminded me of the bar I had frequented this past year. I still have to keep fighting!
My eyes slid open and all I could see in every direction was a black abyss except for two floating sharingan piercing everything with its immense power.
I'm in a Genjutsu!? I questioned. Yes, it must be a genjutsu... the man with the girl!
I struggled to disturb my internal chakra to break the genjutsu, but despite having fairly advanced practitioner skill, it would not break.
He has the same eyes… No, his must be exponentially stronger to keep mine at bay. Why is a Sharingan user collaborating with the Hyuga monster? Had she made him? Perhaps transplanted someone else's sharingan so that he'd help her? Are the Hyuga trying to steal the sharingan for themselves?! This must be what my late father had meant when he confided in me to not trust from outside the clan, but I wouldn't have ever trusted the Hyuga anyways. -STOP.
A red fog filled my mind corrupting it and I could feel my pinwheel shape revert back to the generic sharingan. I felt sleepy and tired. My anger and frustration seemed to wean being replaced by a chilled sensation like my body was bathed in ice water.
I felt the heat escape my body, as well as lost the ability to breathe. Everything before me was swallowed by the darkness. My lifeforce… is getting so… so weak.
I was startled… and I didn't care? It didn't make sense… but it didn't have to… I'm so tired. Just a bit of sleep and I can get back to it… zzZZzz.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina POV)
It went soooo easily! Too easy even…
Obito and myself had managed to awaken the older brother's Mangekyō and put him under before much damage could be dealt. The kid had managed to manifest some sort of white twine or string midair that fascinatingly could both harden and sap chakra.
It was a completely unique ability I hadn't known to be native to the canon narutoverse so it was completely reasonable to conclude that this world is not confounded to some invisible writers hand, at least not from what I could tell.
I wanted it… I wanted the power of the Mangekyō. Not desperately like I had once hoped, but with confidence and assurance. I would have them both, the Sharingan and the Byakugan. In this world of overpowered 'Eye Hax' I arguably had three of the 'Elite five'. Only missing the Tenseigan and Rinnegan, both mastered evolutions of the sharingan and byakugan. Personally I don't understand a lot about the tenseigan but supposably my genetics should allow for it. If not, I might have to find Ōtsutsuki DNA and figure out how to graft that into me.
The Tenseigan would me more preferable between itself and the Rinnegan because of the ying-yang chakra cloak mode and truth seeking orbs. That shit's gotta be absolutely busted.
As much good news as I had just received, The younger brother's manifestation underwent complications. Instead of evolving his sharingan into a Mangekyō he only manifested his third tomoe. I need to figure out how we can put him under greater emotional strain. Now that the main spark that was the mothers death was used up I was going to have to be creative to awaken his Mangekyō.
They don't need to see one of their most important people die in front of them, they only need to think they watched them die. The brain creates the chemical reaction which ignites evolution. If we can set up a convincing enough performance, we can make the younger brother believe he killed his older brother. Before we get him to that point we need to prime him though. I absorbed the methods used on me in my T.I. stint to get the captive in a suitable state of mind quite resourcefully in my opinion.
A cold dark chamber, barely '8 by 8,' devoid of much besides a worn stained mattress and a waste bucket, accompanied by the previously recorded screams of his older brother when Leon was watching the suicide of the mother, replayed over and over.
-Like the memories from my past life were replayed by the demonic Being-X.
Briefly I wondered if I was taking things too far in the pursuit of power. Surely I still had lines I wouldn't cross… I must right? Even if none came to mind when the opportunity presented itself I could distinguish right from wrong?
I couldn't let the 10 tails be recreated by the akatsuki... unless the 10 tails were the only answer to combat being-X… See! Even now, I make stipulations I would be willing to break in order to slay the demon that before haunted my dreams.
"Let's not waste time in contemplation… I'm not afraid anymore. I need to only worry about efficiency…" I scolded myself.
What else could break down the subject more completely? In this state they will surely jump to conclusions faster than they can utilize logic.
I peered into the chamber between the doors bars noting the slumped figure leaning against the wall. He must have noticed me despite my intention to sneak up to here because despite being blindfolded he turned his head toward me… I must improve if I expect to become a missing nin.
"... Is he alive?" He asked.
"He is…" I answered.
A short pause sounded before the man pulled his arms around his legs. "What do you want with us?"
"We intend to create an eye that surpasses that of the original Mangekyō, but to do that both of you need to unlock the Mangekyō… and right now… it's starting to look like we might have to kill your brother in order to achieve it."
"...Man-Gekkio?" the brother asked uncertainly.
It would seem this one hadn't learned about the greater evolution of the sharingan which is understandable considering many inside the Uchiha didn't even have pure enough chakra to awaken the sharingan. As the generations continued, less and less trueblood Uchiha were left.
The unfortunate consequences of genetic diversity.
"Yes the evolution of sharingan past the awakened three tomoe. It is exponentially stronger-"
"-Then do it to me, just release my brother." he insisted.
"I'm sorry, We could if you can awaken your Mangekyō without needing to kill him. Are you willing to become an instrument to reshape this ninja world at the cost of allowing your brother to survive?"
It would likely be impossible to get the eyes to evolve without the death of his brother… if it's not impossible it's far too impractical to attempt. Ofcourse I will choose the path for the greatest chance of success having already worked so hard. It will succeed, I can almost taste it.
Another shrill scream replayed and i watched a muscle spasm above the teens eye. His anger slightly leaking out despite his effort to remain calm.
He's trying to play me. Does he actually believe I'd let either of them go? Surely not, he's just playing along until he is presented with an opportunity… perfect. I'll steer him into concocting an escape attempt and as he is escaping… that's when I'll do it!
My eyes and the eyes of the captive where in a heated deadlock until I decided to take my leave.
As I left I felt the stares of additional eyes trained on me… It would seem that I can't remove my mask anymore. Like many of the most eccentric actors, I would live my part like Heath Ledger with his portrayal of the Joker. I will become the Izuna of Obito's fantasies to be sure I am never exposed.
I could see the Zetsu which attempted to spy on me with the byakugan. I couldn't help but notice him, noticing that I spotted him, and a sadistic smile appeared on the face of black Zetsu.
Playing anything but my part will be dangerous. I still have so much work left to do...The saying rings true. There is no rest for the wicked.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
Authors Notes: Zemptai-sama again, ?
Reviewer Question: - ?
…
**SPECIAL THANKS and COMMENTS to the great people below who left me a review, It means a lot!**
-RT - "Oh yeah, for sure, the main character has a long way left to be developed before she resembles anything close to a fan favorite for most people. The story is meant to captivate the reader and bring them along for the ride. Mina isn't going to be the only OC in the story forever, so the Story will start branching off in other people's perspectives as well (A plus if you can't stand the MC lol.)"
-Cod3d - "Somewhat, and somewhat not. Mina doesn't believe that Being-X is a god, and instead sees it just as a divine being misusing its power. She has a more deep seated reason for disliking Being-X then simply the situation she was plopped into in the narutoverse."
-Dark and Chaotic - "Thanks for your support. Let me know how I did on this new chapter ;)"
-DokB - "Personally, I'm trying to write the ROB as just enough of a dick that you want to root for Mina ever so slightly more than itself. Especially as you gather more information throughout the story. As far as the God being Jashin, he is not. I've been thinking about it alot, and what I might do is make Jashin the "God" of the Narutoverse, and make Being-X a God encroaching on the others domain. IDK, I'm not completely decided yet. Oh yeah, Before she gets to the chunin exams she'll be good and batshit crazy. I hope it'll be a fun read. I have specific plans for a few big names deaths throughout the story, some expectable and some suddenly dropped in the readers laps."
-VanitasTheFool.1 - "I've read the Fanfiction before, but I drew no inspiration from it, instead drawing it from the original work: "Youjo Senki" or "The Saga of Tanya the Evil." None of the characters are the same so it's not a crossover, just a bit of awesomeness by mixing different ideas.
-MadameGuillotineTheSeraph - "..."
-writegood - "I loved reading your review. Thanks for the kind words of encouragement."
-006Sam - "First off -Your gay; and the victim complex was 100% intentional to stress the existence of her mental disorders. If you hated the story as much as you pretend you wouldn't be spending your time trying to deconstruct the reality of the scenarios. If you want to have an intellectual conversation over your opinions rather than you spouting them off as if they are godspoken facts, then come at me ."
-Smiling Seshat - "Definitely heavily inspired by Youjo Senki. I purposely left out anything about mentions of Youjo Senki because I don't plan to use either Being-X's original personality, or Tanya's, but Yeah I might need to add a note at the beginning just stating that. -NOT Youjo Senki Crossover, instead only drawing inspiration from it-"
-Nobels - "Thanks for pointing out the correction. I'll remember to make those changes in the future. Don't sit in your chair too easy, because the dark element's will continue to return, however instead of shit being heaped on Mina, Mina is the one that starts heaping the shit. She's crafting herself into the defect she plans to become."
-The-Killer40513 - "Half of the characters personality is inspired by the main character from Youjo Senki, as well as the concept about the god, however I didn't want to use either Being-X's or Tanya's authentic personality so I decided not to make it a crossover and instead left it purposely ambiguous."
-Thewaydude - "Thanks. About those moment's with Neji, I got you a bit in the future mate."
-CHIYuii - "Luckily you don't need to make a decision whether it's good or bad yet. Just stay along for the ride and find out along the way."
-AscheriitXL - "I feel you. She isn't a true antagonist yet, still has a ways to go, but I can't just jump straight in tho sadly, where's the fun in that?"
-Kaliedo - "Genetic predisposition. As a child so young, I find it incredibly unlikely to be able to fight off such strong genetic inclinations despite having advanced knowledge and intelligence. She certainly doesn't respect her mother, she just subconsciously wants her. At that point she died she was only two. I need to develop the character into the antagonist the story needs. Fear not though, if you don't love the main character, there will be two OC's added at a later date which oppose her and some of the story will be from their perspectives."
-Luana LS - "Oh, starting between challenges is a light interpretation haha. Glad your enjoying it, would like to hear more of your opinions."
-Ishari RB - "Yikes indeed!"
-EVERYthingGOES88 - "Thanks for your words of encouragement!"
-SalemTheSpeakerOfTruth - "Currently, she is attracted to women, but is unsure of herself. This chapter you can see some hints of attraction to Hinata and a complex she has. Her pairing isn't set in stone yet, but I think I'm pretty sure who I'm going to pick, and how I want to execute it. -Spoilers- ITS A MALE. Because of this, I see myself Writing more of the romance from the perspective of that character so the story doesn't snowball into some type of weird Semi(Yaoi-Slash) who-knows-what but there will still be some scenes in her perspective.
Also: She's thought about acquiring the Rinnegan however after making her puppet she really don't have another good opportunity unless she manages to awaken it in Sasuke and take his eyes/ make him a puppet. I personally don't think Mina would strive for either of those yet, so she has her focus set on more immediate goals. As far as Extending her lifespan, she as a 7 year old probably doesn't need to worry about that yet, only self-preservation so that she can survive to do it later."
-ThePirateQueen367- "Yup, psychopathic, machiavellian, self loathing, prideful, and incredibly driven to see her aspirations succeed. The Character is inspired a bit by imagining my consciousness mixed with Tanya's from Youjo Senki."
-Mysterious Goat - "It was my pleasure. I try my best to make the characters come alive but I've only learned so many tools to do it. Hopefully my arsonal gets more plentiful because with that at my fingertips i'll be an author to be feared."
-ShotoGun - "Speaking of getting burnt out… lmfao, I ended up taking a bit of a break from my writing to work on alot of other things I'd been neglecting tunneling on my story so hard. I like to get crack shit out and get it done before working on something else, so when I work on the story it consumes me. Thanks for your words of praise for my writing quality. Lately I've been focusing on it a bit more… and I still gotta go through and make all those edits to the early chapters."
-Zdraco - "glad that you can keep reading new chapters and it's still refreshing. Shisui in my opinion would be an awesome instructor I would go crazy for. I breifly considered moving the timeframe so that Mina would enter the academy around the same time as Itachi, but i ended up deciding against it, and had planned on Shisui being the sensei LEL."
-Sage Mode Madara - "I'm glad your liking the story so far! Hopefully my long break from the story doesn't detract from the greatness."
-Irina Akashira - "Thanks for your continued support!"
-Parodia the Silent- "Yeah, well their choice to torture her is irreversible, the only way to prevent her resentment would be to somehow wipe the memory or kill her. They picked their poison."
-APimpNamedSlimpback - "Hey there dude, Always gotta keep an eye out for a leg up on the competition, even if most of the competitors don't know how to compete. Someone's got to pave the path."
-The Jingo - "My last update was pretty quick, this one was pretty slow, does that mean I'll get a slow review? xD - If your feeling up to hit hit me with a PM and tell me your thoughts on the chapter and on the upcoming events :)"
-thepowerfullkira - "The Sharingan's abilities are so plentiful and strong, but also readily manifestible. The Tenseigan she still wants, but she has far less of an idea of how to unlock it, so you're just going to have to wait until she fan find out more about it."
-Tigaier - "You foolish nonbeliever, fear not, I will be here to occasionally remind you just how twisted Mina is becoming. More is in your future."
-SteveTheBeast - "love that I was able to lead you on like that, sometimes being blindsided is exactly what you want when your a reader, even if you didn't know it ;)"
-medistr - "WTF Absolutely, that response is what I intended for the readers :D"