Article 27 - Chapter 23 - Lost in Time
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've recently been playing a bit of League of Legends again, and am utterly shocked at just how horrible I've become. My skills have vastly deteriorated. Anyways, If anyone wants to play with me or help coach me, hit me up in a PM on FFN (Add your summoner name or Discord info.) - [PS. I'm a dirty Riven one trick atm.]
*** 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!)***
*BTW, heres 5k words :)*
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(Last Chapter: Excerpt)
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 my 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.
┬┴┬┴┤ Chapter 23 ├┬┴┬┴
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina Alibi Clone POV)
The dark sky overhead seemed to stretch endlessly only being blocked by heavy grey clouds which swirled and drifted about. The Illumination of the full moon broke through the gaps of the clouds pouring extra light into the environment. The grassy ground felt cold to my partially exposed back and made my skin itch.
What is the necessity that clothing designers seem to believe women's clothing needs to continually have more open space and holes? I guess I can see the appeal as a spectator, but now actually being the person wearing it, I wanted to cringe at the lack of practicality.
The leaves in the trees around were rustled by the gentle breeze that swept through the forest.
I rotated my head to the side to peer at the girl beside me. She lightly shivered with a look of awe resting on her face. It was becoming continually more difficult to peel my attention away from the girl. My blood felt warm even if in places my skin was becoming colder. An irksome yearning kept tugging at my lustful temperance.
The intoxicating and overwhelming desire called to me causing my arm to scoot closer to the free hand which laid limp on the ground.
What am I doing? Am I incapable of self-control? It's only the allure of wanting what I can't have…
My heartbeat picked up in tempo as my eye focused on the delicate bleached skin of the heir.
Purely theoretically, is there any advantages to coming onto the heir? It's very likely it will only be problematic.
My sensibility reminded me of the outweighed cons which would likely plague me if I chose to dismiss caution and instead follow my heart.
A deep tired sigh escaped my lips. It felt good to let it out, to express my discontent in such a simplistic way.
My ears picked up the recognizable crunch of grass underfoot. I perceived the familiar chakra approaching, so I didn't need to even acknowledge their arrival with an early glance.
"Mina? Lady Hinata?" The voice called out.
It was not the voice of someone who doubted our identity, instead filled with confidence.
"Neji?" I responded in the same fashion causing a faint grin to spread on his face.
"Hiashi-sama asked me to fetch both of you."
Hinata slowly pushed herself off the ground and onto her feet. By now she was no stranger to the clans expectations and her own responsibilities.
"I wonder if there are more creamsicles…" she said softly.
"Your worried about creamsicles?" Neji asked in critical judgement.
She closed her mouth and her face sunk to the ground having been shamed by the boy.
I wanted to hit him for subjecting her to even more reasons to be self conscious and timid, but I understood the contempt Neji held toward her and could tell he was displeased to find me around her. He knew it was a clan responsibility but he always acted a bit different when seeing her and myself together.
I wonder if he even realizes that his actions look like jealousy.
After he noticed my attention focused on him, he scoffed and walked back the direction he came.
His footfalls became more distant traversing away while we composed ourselves and were about to make our way back to the alternate base.
Hinata brushed her hands over her clothing, dusting herself off and I followed suit.
"I wonder what Hiashi-sama wants…" I said.
"...probably to assess my behavior during the banquette."
I could imagine Hashi calling us back simply to complain of the lack of grace Hinata acted with. How do they expect her to improve if they only plan to use negative reinforcement to correct her behavior? Plus she is still but a child. she has too many expectations on her shoulders.
"I could save us some time by doing it instead. 'You can't do anything right girl, whatever you feel like doing, do the opposite! Then maybe you'll do something right.'"
Inside my head, my comment seemed much funnier, but to my dejection, I seemed to have hurt her instead.
"I'm sorry… It just angers me how they treat you… It's unfair" I said.
Well… The whole world is unfair, but surely sympathizing with her could help her feel less alone, less ostracized.
"I deserve it… I just can't seem to get anything right!" She wailed. Tears began forming in her eyes, spilling and cascading down her cheeks.
"You don't-" I started.
"-I'm better off dead. Why couldn't you have been born the heir, you are so much more suited to it…"
My hands reached out and clasped the shoulders of the emotion struck girl. Her breathing labored as she used her sleeves to hide her face as she attempted to compose herself.
"Don't say that… Those idiots opinions are meaningless, you are the heir, so soon the only opinion that will matter are yours and those who are closest to you."
One of her hands found her way to my wrist and weakly pushed it off her shoulder. She sniffled, put on a fake smile, and thanked me weakly.
I recognized her act as a mask… something I was all too familiar with.
A hot inferno of emotion burned through me as I imagined Hinata following in my footsteps and sacrificing everything that made her special.
I don't know why… but I panicked.
Slaaaap.
The heir ceased crying and wheezing, instead staring at me with a dumbfounded expression with the red imprint of a handmark on her face.
Oh no… What did I just do? What is wrong with me? I'm going to pay for that… Well fuck it.
I pulled her into my arms, into my embrace, and I nuzzled my lips against her ear. "I won't allow you to be anything but genuine with me -ya hear?"
Her body convulsed in my grip, she tried to fight my hold weakly but quickly started squeezing me back. Pants of emotion escaped her with more vigour.
"Whenever you need to talk, just come to me." I whispered into her ear as I rocked her back and forth.
Her hands clutched at the fabric of my dress, no doubt wrinkling it in the process.
"Thank you… Thank you so much." Hinata gasped.
A flame burnt inside my soul making me feel so warm. Even as unhappy as I am, at least I can still be a positive influence. Perhaps I'm not the monster I think I am.
Her hands innocently explored over my back… our cheeks still touching as we held one another.
I briefly imagined pinning her to the ground and kissing her while exploring her body with more freedom.
… Nope, I'm still the monster.
I pulled away but managed to snag Hinata's hand and interlocked my fingers between hers.
I used a finger from my spare hand to wipe away the tears that stained her complexion. A shy smile crept onto Hinata's face. She had visibly brightened, practically illuminating beneath the moon. Her mood was leagues ahead of earlier even letting out a giggle.
Her hand tightened and squeezed my own and our eyes met.
"I'll... never forget your kindness."
Guilt rose in me… I didn't know if what I had done could be truly called kindness, but I would be remiss to not acknowledge her gesture.
"It's no problem, you are, after all, among my very favorite from the clan."
She bashfully looked away while her face began reddening.
"W-Why?" She asked.
"Because you are hard working, intelligent, and underappreciated."
-Also compliant, innocent, and submissive. I thought.
Her smile widened at my words. I could tell I was playing my cards right.
She tugged my arm excitingly leading the way back. Her mood had effectively done a 180° turn.
The breeze gushed past us as we ran, likely looking like lunatics, through the forest, but we paid no mind to our laughter in the air.
I suppose I should make the best of what I have while I have it. I won't make the same mistake twice Ayasha… I'll appreciate the people I have while I have them. Just tunnel on the positive... Or I fear I will drive myself insane.
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(Mina POV)
The scalpel tore effortlessly through the flesh while the body hung suspended from the ceiling. I had restrained the feet and hung the body upside down for an easier way to drain the corrosive blood that was already at work breaking down the chakra system inside the body. Cleaning and then using Sasori's preservation method in a timely manner was the most important aspect to outright stopping the decomposition of the specimen.
The blood was being fed through a tube and into a container for later use. The blood would no doubt also go bad if left unattended so it was necessary to add anticoagulants to the container continuously. The correct ratio seemed to be somewhere between 1/9th and 1/10th the anticoagulants to the volume of blood.
The scalpel surgically sliced over and over, following the diagram as precise as I could manage. After the body had been opened and cleaned, the next step was the priming of the flesh with the chemical concoction.
I picked up the paintbrush and dipped it into the solution, drawing it out, careful not to waste any of the precious materials so that there would be enough for the remaining two future puppets.
The brush ran over the surface of the flesh, firstly the inside and slowly making my way out until I could close the body and apply it to the exterior.
"This process is quite intriguing…"
I didn't bother to acknowledge Obito's comment as he watched me. I was too preoccupied trying to fight off the smell from gagging me and making sure my craftsmanship was top notch.
As I finished the 'paint job,' I needed to apply heat to complete the chemical seal which acted like a fast acting petrification.
I slumped down grabbing the glass container filled with the mother's blood. The still warm fluid leaked warmth through the glass into my hand. I reached out pulling a handle and opening the door before me, placing the container into the refrigeration unit.
Onto the next steps...
I didn't have a kiln made specifically for this (like suggested in the notes), so instead I had to make due with what I had. (At the very least for this trial specimen.)
Obito's hands flashed in and out of hand signs masterfully before his palms ignited.
I held the thermometer 12 inches from his palms until he hit the sweet spot of 325 degrees. After that, Obito skillfully maintained the heat and approached the body, rotating around the body slowly, holding his palms a foot from the skin.
This was going to be a lengthy process… Lengthy but invaluable. I couldn't help but to be hopeful. I was so very close to a long time aspiration.
I felt the edges of my lips pull my mouth into an undoubtedly sadistic smile. I wouldn't wait, I was almost there...
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My hands trembled in anticipation. The procedure for making the human puppet was successful! All that was left was to attempt to awaken the Eternal Mangekyo sharingan.
The path the kunai carved through the air caused it to strike and dig into the wood. It was far from the bulls-eye I had aimed for.
Worthless. Is all my practice meaningless? Why can't I steady my hand?
I was worked up over the plan. I couldn't wait for the kid to try to make a run for it- Literally. I was trying to calm myself down with some Kunai practice, however it only served to rile me up more. My shaking hands couldn't manage to put any of the kunai on target.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath… Breathing slow in… and out…
I painted the image of the kunai in the bulls-eye in my head. I drew the trajectory to my target in my mind. I focused on the form of my arm and the my grip to make sure it was perfect.
Anything less than perfect is unacceptable.
I swung my arm and released the tool. It cut into the air sailing through the air before impacting the wood with a Thunk.
I felt my eye twitch as dark emotions pulsed through me.
Missed again! You're kidding! -but the form should have been perfect?! What is wrong with me?!
I pulled my hands in front of my face, watching each finger shake and twitch about. My stomach grumbled unhappily alerting me to the hunger sneakily hidden beneath the blanket of distractions.
I didn't have the right food to feed my body around here, so instead I opened a package of crackers, popping one into my mouth.
As I crunched into it and tore it to shreds in my mouth, the sensation of sugar and salt swirled about my palate.
Glucose, A.K.A. Carbohydrates are the most efficient way to sustain the body. It makes it easy to overload, but at the same time you still need some. Regulating insulin levels is very important to both feeling productive and crafting the ideal body.
The sugar began breaking down, gradually coursing through my veins, and finally putting an end to my incessantly shaking hands.
It so easy to overlook the simple, especially when so many thoughts are floating inside my head.
My lips pressed together into a smile, my eyes trained on my target.
Inside my mind, I pictured Orochimaru's face on the log, the bulls-eye in the center of the forehead.
My arm flung forward and I let go of my grip on the kunai. Like the kunai was tracing my imaginary trajectory in my head, it sailed through the air and into the bulls-eye.
Yes!
My tongue swirled about within my mouth, pressing into my teeth.
I couldn't wait for the opportunity to kill him… for the chance to present itself.
I was no longer fearful even if realistically I knew I was far inferior. I briefly wondered if I could sick Obito on Orochimaru like a dog, but I didn't want to reveal my personal aspirations so soon, so instead I would paint myself as the marvelous revolutionary pawn Obito desperately wants.
A certain memory kept nagging at me. No matter how many times I push it aside, It keeps coming back. The memory like a cancer I couldn't escape from…
…
(Flashback)
"Come sit next to me." The man said as he tapped the couch cushion signaling me to sit.
I wasn't sure why he wanted me to sit by him, but I doubted it could be for any good reason.
I set my equipment along the floor against the hallway wall before turning back and entering the living room.
I walked with steady practiced steps to him and sat beside him like he instructed.
"I've… uh, how are you doing?" He asked.
"Fine…"
His eyes narrowed and I could tell he was critical of my response.
"Ayasha is gone and she's not coming back, but she would be rolling over in her grave if she saw you now."
His words cut surprisingly deep, like I somehow didn't already know, but just doing what she would have wanted isn't the same as honoring her memory.
"How dare you! You think Ayasha would be happy with how fast you got over her? -or how friendly you've become with the bottom of the bottle?" I said fuming.
He choked up, coughing gently to cover it up.
"-Your not allowed to say things like that, I won't let you-" I yelled.
Oops… that didn't come out right at all...
"-I'm still committed to Ayasha's memory unlike you!" I finished.
What am I saying?
Tears spilled down from the mans red eyes and my mistake was cemented in my mind. His hand reached out and grabbed ahold of my arm with a firm constricting grasp.
"You have to let her go… Never forget her, but you have to move past this or you-you'll be 'stuck' forever."
"-'Stuck?!' I think I'd prefer to be 'stuck' than instead drown my sorrows or pretend like everything is fine. Unlike you, I understand the sentiment of loyalty."
This man is clueless. He looks like a puppet with its strings cut and he thinks he can preach to me? He says move past her, but how can I when Orochimaru still breathes? -and then there's Being-X that no doubt let it come to this.
"You have a choice… You can hold that resentment and let it ruin you… -Or you can move past this and maybe find happiness. I don't want to see you walk down that road... of resentment."
"What would you know of resentment? I don't think you have a resentful bone in your body! I don't want to hear it, just leave me alone and continue drinking yourself into a stupor."
I was being incredibly childish lashing at him this hard… Why was I doing it? It's not his fault I feel like this, I just don't want to hear any of his lectures. I didn't want them and they were not welcome.
"I know far more about it than you. Listen to me, im older and wiser... despite how smart you think you are." He said.
Yes - I'm sure, my 28 years of life are inconsequential compared to your 23. I see! It makes so much 'sense'.
"I'm going to my room." I announced before turning away.
"Mina, I'm serious! You can't keep going like this."
"I'm fine, drop it."
…
Do I even understand the sentiment of loyalty? I'm 100 percent invested in loyally burning the corpse of Orochimaru. To expunge him like the blight he is from this world. To get true recompense… it's justice no?
My mind burned and it hurt. My overactive brain has been in overdrive all day and I felt a headache was coming on.
I pressed my fingertips into my forehead and massaged hoping to soothe the pain.
Why was I such an obnoxious asshole to him? If he treated me that way it would be unacceptable…
My mind hummed. Sure, Tokuma eased into his life without Ayasha...Unlike me. - BUT HOW CAN I BE TOLD TO ACCEPT THE UNACCEPTABLE?
I rested my forehead on a palm and ran my fingers compulsively though my hair, the silky texture caressing the skin.
I must pay my respects to Ayasha. I will not betray my loyalty. I am not like Tokuma who could just let go. To forget. Sure, it's no doubt easier when your as medicated as him - but doing that would be the same as discarding my pride, my honor.
I looked down to the pendant that hung at my neck. The azure light refracted from the sapphire's surface made it appear like it was glowing.
I already knew what must be done. Going over it again and again never seems to help, and that's the reason I've discarded my fear and doubt.
Orochimaru must die, and how ironic that I could destroy him with the weapon he covets from the bottom of his soul?
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Zetsu started twitching about, catching my attention from the corner of an eye.
What is it?
I picked myself up from my seat as I watched Obito's back straighten.
"The Uchiha is on the move!" Zetsu announced with a dastardly grin.
As many times as I've seen that smile… it still chills me to the bones.
"I'll make sure the Genjutsu is as subtle as possible. I'm incredibly curious to see if this works." the masked figure spoke.
A distortion appeared in a circular vortex which Obito stepped through and vanished. The distortion closed sealing back into normalcy.
Another thing I will never get used to. Teleportation… It's absolutely incredible.
Zetsu pulled himself into the wall through his root system. At last the only people remaining in the room was myself and an incapacitated Leon Uchiha.
The ambient silence unsettled me, only being broken each second by the faint tick of the clock. I pulled together my focus and condensed it entering a new realm of concentration. "Byakugan!"
My true vision flicking on let me notice an absolutely silent and stealthy intruder skulking about the corridors. He was looking for where Leon was stored.
It's a shame that his loyalty to his family was for naught… If I were him, I would curse my powerlessness and inability till my final moments.
The clock upon the wall ticked with reckless abandon, being the only noise in the vicinity.
I could tell that the Uchiha had just fallen prey to the trap. The corridor was filled with water, and through the use of hidden mirrors, the reflected sharingan was projected onto the puddle's surface. The man never stopped moving, seemingly never noticing he had already been caught in the genjutsu.
Within minutes he finally reached the door to our room. The door creaked open and through the crack, I saw the undeniable red glint of the sharingan. He saw me, and recognized I already had spotted him.
A pulse of chakra spiked behind my eyes alerting me to a genjutsu despite being able to see completely through it. He swung the door open and jolted into the room. He weaved afew hand signs as he moved and moved to trap me into the corner.
"Neeko Uchiha… How regrettable that it comes to this…" I said while stretching and connecting my chakra threads to the puppet at my side.
It seems seeing the puppet has forced him into a lack of focus. His hand signs have completely stopped.
A look of absolute horror appeared on the teens face as the form of his mother jankly hovered forward.
"What you've done is unforgivable!" He bellowed.
"I'm sorry… I fully intended to keep your brother alive." I lied. "-But now that you've given up on helping us, you've left me no choice…"
He jerked towards the puppet, but I was faster, the puppet ran its palm across the throat of Leon. The tube disguised against his neck opened causing the pressure in the system to push out the container's contents.
The crimson blood leaked out, spilling onto the floor in spurts.
Obito… I hope you got this right.
"RRWAAAAAAAAGAH," The teen exploded in a fit of rage.
I pushed my skeleton past my skin creating my strongest defense.
The teens hands came together in a fury, blitzing signs in a race to smite the evil before him… me.
A puff of smoke and flame erupted filling the room. My lungs burned, but I still felt a dangerous fit of joy.
"~AGHHHAAAA!~"
Neeko's eyes transitioned before my vision as he screamed in pain. Chakra encircled him, almost appearing like a swirling cloak of fog. It's color turned from pure gold to a deep dreadful red.
Roots sprung from the walls catching the man's hands and twisting around him. It rapidly expanded over his body forming a white suit over the figure which even covered his face, smothering the MS behind a wooden mask.
My heart palpitated within my chest. What is this feeling?!
An eerie ringing noise like static sounded in my ears forcing me to cover them with my hands.
"MUUUUUUUUURRRRGHHH!" The muffled screams rung beneath the mask.
The space around me started glowing and crackling. It seemed as if the space around me had transformed into the visuals of a retro television. Black and white sparks seemed to burn the air and each moment seemed to linger. It was as if time played slower. Each tick of the clock seemed to come slower... and slower….. disorienting my internal clock.
"Possession complete!" Zetsu cheered in joy while pushing himself out from the wall.
The environment shifted back to normal.
The familiar buzz of distortion sounded in my ears, causing my head to turn to the side. I welcomed the noise over the strange occurrence which had just unfolded.
"Truly impressive! I still can't believe it! Evolution without a death! Izuna, I could kiss you."
It was quite the strange sentiment, but I understood it because of the massive achievement we accomplished.
I couldn't believe it either… I thought that the chances were against us despite being hopeful.
"I believe a celebration is in order" I said pridefully.
"Shall I crack open some wine?" Zetsu asked innocently.
My thoughts traversed back to Tokuma and his condition.
"I'm probably still a bit too young… I don't want to stunt my cognitive development."
A grim smile appeared on black zetsu at my words, like my comment was some sort of inside joke that was lost on me.
"Time right now is precious, I still need to slaughter the clan momentarily, so let's jump straight into the eye transplants." Obito said.
A maniacal cackle sounded and echoed within the tunnels.
"MAGNIFICENT!" Zetsu yelled, enthused.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
Authors Notes: Had to pump out a new chapter for the fans. A lot of thought went into trying to pull this chapter off so I hope you guys enjoy. IF you have any questions or comments about the plot, characters, ect go ahead and leave me a review! I respond to all of them at the end of every chapter, so if you leave one check the bottom of each chapter to find your responses!
Reviewer Question: - What is your favorite videogame of all time? Mine would probably be a 3 way tie, Castlevania: SoTN (XBLA), League of Legends, and Oldschool Runescape.
…
**SPECIAL THANKS and COMMENTS to the great people below who left me a review, It means a lot!**
-Guest- "Thanks, lmao."
-Re Fenrir - "Thanks for your reviews. I could practically see your journey through the story through the crumbtrail of thoughts that were your comments. It seems you have joined the revolution against the infamous Being-X. Death to the incompetent, selfish, and arrogant god!"
-WPUrchezem23 - "Ohh indeed it's everywhere. So many possibilities, I wouldn't want to ruin the trajectory of the plot by being too forward. You as a reader need to snuff out the red herrings and the important data if you want to have true understanding in the story. This will become easier and easier as more content is launched. Have fun ;)"
-ShotoGun - "What you expected huh? Well you did have some spoilers ;) hmm? Indeed Henge is a physical transformation, however the Sharingan, or at the very least, the advanced sharingan (Likely 3 tomoe/MS/EMS) should be able to see through it to, at the very least, recognize that the form you take is a transformation. I plan on establishing the Henge metagame soon to further explain its strengths and weaknesses in my slightly adjusted universe."
-Zdraco - "I'm not going to lie… I kinda did like Naruto's 'Talk no Jutsu' but watching him do it repeatedly to solve his problems left a bad taste in my mouth. I will spoil you right now and say that "Talk no Jutsu" will not be used on Being-X. The name 'Being-X' was plucked from the Anime and Light novel series 'Youjo Senki' however, my Being-X has a completely different personality and motivations. Do not expect a cookie cutter copy of Youjo Senki's lore."
-thepowerfullkira - "That would be cool. As much emphasis as I spent on that part, people are meant to wonder if perhaps someone did notice something ;) -I wonder, guess we'll have to find out later in the story or you can PM me for spoilers."
-lizyeh2000- "Thanks for your support. I see it took two reviews from you to convert you to a follower, I'll make sure to attempt to hold your attention and not disappoint!"
-lubabpaul - "-And Thank you for your words of support. I appreciate it greatly."
-milpld - "I purposely left that information ambiguous. It's up to your own interpretation until the story continues. IF you really cant stand not knowing shoot me a PM and I'll spoil you :) "
-QueenLadle - "Yup, honestly… I did a somewhat bad job at waiting to develop her language skills because of how different Japanese is from English, but we could also chalk it up to the increased ability to learn at a young age, and still having the same basic mentality and memories from her last life giving herself a huge edge in that department."
-Irina Akashira - "Thanks for your continued support. Everytime I see one of your comments I smile and I'm thankful you're still with me :)"
-writegood - "Oh I know lol! By the time Heath has encountered Itachi in the akatsuki then mina will have presumably already leaked to Sasuke that the massacre was direction from the village, and if Itachi finds out it was Mina who told him? *Phew*, I wouldn't want to be Mina then."
-Weewoo Weaboo - "Thanks for your stupendous rating. It's always a nice feeling to know that a reader is enjoying my work. Because you enjoyed it so much, I'd love to hear your favorite parts in future reviews and if you think there is anything I can improve on! Thanks"