Article 31 - Chapter 27 - A Calculated Gamble
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! Thanks to several readers messages, I released the first chapter of my Yu-gi-oh GX fanfiction. You might think that it won't interest you at first mention, but even if your not an avid or nostalgic fan of Yu-gi-oh, the story itself could still interest you if you give it a chance. If I get enough support I plan on doubling up and taking on both stories at the same time. Remember to communicate your opinions about this chapter and the Yu-Gi-Oh GX fanfic that you know you'll end up checking out ^.^ Kay-Thanks. Here's 8.5k+ words. Enjoy.
-Also, still accepting Beta readers! Hit me up with a PM-
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Last Chapter: Excerpt)
(Mina POV)
"What happened?" I asked.
"Just a simple drill us Jonin do, nothing to worry your little diligent head over, " He said belittling me.
"Of course..."
The summoning jutsu! HE JUST DID THE SUMMONING JUTSU! -Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram!
I now have half the puzzle of the Summoning technique and now all I need is to find the rest of it. I need to commit this to memory. No, perhaps I should write it down in case I somehow forget. Regardless, it would seem fortune smiled on me today.
┬┴┬┴┤ Chapter 27 ├┬┴┬┴
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina POV)
Half a year has gone and past since my discovery of the Summoning jutsu's hand signs. I'm not much closer to being able to perform the jutsu - even trying fervently with clones to accelerate the process to no success. I can't get the jutsu to initialize, the mental part of the jutsu is still a mystery.
I was so tantalizingly close it hurt. I found myself thinking of more and more risky ways to attain the information I wanted but most of them amounted to nothing, and the rest of them would see me as a traitor to the hidden leaf, something I could not accept this early. Thus remained a single idea that carried heavy risk, yet was still within an acceptable risk-reward ratio.
My single minded obsession of obtaining the sharingan, especially as the goal neared, stunted my growth in other areas, and despite the value of the summoning jutsu, I couldn't allow this cycle of incompetence to continue - That is, if I planned to be publicly held as a Legend in the making.
Since Sasuke was released from the hospital, he began training with even greater vigor than before.
We were each others steel sharpening ourselves in ambitious desperation. He made me strive for greater polished fundamentals as to not depend on my advanced techniques.
Greater fundamentals, much like in basketball, refines your arsenal increasing overall effectiveness in an exponential fashion.
I see now why Neji was so uneasy around me for the longest time. Having someone single-mindedly clawing to surpass you is immensely unsettling, not to mention both of their natural talents surpasses that of my own.
There's only so much that I can do to fend them off and keep them beneath me.
I work myself constantly to exhaustion while I curse my natural affinity for the art of warfare. All I can do is make the best with what I've got, and since I'm deficient in natural talent compared to the juggernaut prodigies of Neji and Sasuke, all I can do is strive to train more, to innovate more, and to think more.
I've taken a lesson from Rock Lee to be the hardest working, even surpassing his work ethic by training smarter.
Kakashi was initially very upset because I went behind his back to the Hokage to plead my case on why I thought Sasuke should be allowed to join the task-force despite the fact that I was supposed to pick two chunin.
He forced me to do more medial tasks than anyone else of the group, however that didn't mean they were excluded entirely…
As our third member of the taskforce, I selected Jidanbō Kazuma, a rising star within the leaf well on his way to becoming a Jonin especially if war were to break out. All in all, our team was assembled and there was little Kakashi could do about it.
Today was boring as usual. Our group 'somehow' always ended up being shafted with more paperwork than any other task force within the Konoha Police Force, probably because our leader was Kakashi and while he snuck off, all we could do was assist other teams with their workload.
"Did I mention before that I despise Kakashi?" I said.
Jidanbō looked up from his desk curling a lip and nodding in agreement.
"Of all the stories I'd heard of Kakashi of the Sharingan, Jonin by twelve, The youngest person to ever be promoted to Anbu captain... I'd never have imagined him being like this…"
"Mhmm, mhmm! It's infuriating. He doesn't have the common decency to show up on time unless we're in a full blown crisis."
"One time he told me to leave behind the food I had been cooking to deliver a package of great importance. He said he had food already packed for me and there was no need to continue prepping what I was making, So I left immediately. He had me pick up a package from a bookstore and deliver it to his own doorstep but that's not even the worst of it, the food he packed me? It was dog food!"
My hands shot up to my mouth trying to fight back the laughter which attempted to escape, however the challenge was too tall an order. I nearly spit across the table cackling in labored breaths.
I might bust a gut, I thought.
"Oh yeah! Laugh it up now, later when he does the same to you - see if I'll share my provisions."
The realization cut through me like a knife. Instantly I regretted my ecstasy at his misfortune knowing that karma had a way of repaying me in the most convoluted ways.
Coughing to disguise the end of my laughter, as well as making the notion to clear my throat, I looked back to the man earnestly. "My apologies and condolences."
He only grinned at my change of demeanor. Seems he got some sick entertainment of humbling me, I'll remember this for later.
While pushing my stack of papers together, banging them onto the table to align them correctly, I noticed glossy black hair separated into two bangs peak over the corner of the hallway.
Curiously I flashed the Uchiha a questioning glance before witnessing the fire burning in his eyes. A passion I learned to recognize at a glance over the extended time we shared together.
Nodding to him in affirmation, I finished binding the papers in my hands with a clip and tossing them inside the wooden box situated on the desk.
Only 21 minutes until our shift would end, and I've completed my portion of our taskwork, I'm sure it will be fine to slink out of here early especially since Kakashi does it all the time. If anyone complains I'll explain that Kakashi had made it an accepted norm by his actions.
My muscles protested pushing myself out of my chair knowing that they would soon be abused again. I'd likely need to remember to ice myself tonight if I wanted to move at all tomorrow.
No days off.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
I knew what must be done. I knew what a gamble it was - and I knew what I stood to lose if Neji or I were caught conspiring against the clan.
They say Carbohydrates and Heroin are insanely addictive, but what about the sweet taste of freedom? Have we forgotten the feeling of the complete unfettered binding of responsibility or am I the only one in this damn world who's ever felt it?
Neji wouldn't be persuaded to do something so risky easily even if he thinks he's on board with my revolution-speak.
To have one's whims the only force driving them forward is the greatest art of all. Your lifestyle - it's humanities greatest art. It speaks the most about oneself.
"Listen, I need more political allies outside the clan, but none of they take me serious yet. I need to learn the Summoning Jutsu in order to garner favor. If the majority of our clans political ties are through me, I will doubtlessly become our clan's image and leader."
Neji stared at me, disbelief evident by his narrowed eyes. My reason for needing the summoning jutsu was probably in question.
"I've checked... the youngest to ever earn a contract in the summoning realm is 9 years old. I will have my name forever etched into our village's history books by simply breaking into the clan's archives, and reading a tad of information on the Summoning Jutsu. I already know the hand signs so any other information would be extremely useful." I finished.
"And you think this some 'Game' like you have nothing to lose here? You have plenty to lose! You're freedom for instance!"
"Neji - We have to play this game like we have nothing to lose or nothing will ever change… Neither of us actually have freedom, what we have is an illusion that is ill conceived and poorly crafted at that."
"Yeah? You THINK you have no freedom but you will literally have NONE if you're caught breaking into the clanhead's personal Archives. It's Information only the head is passed down every generation."
"You said it yourself. They arm themselves with information that we are NEVER allowed to have! THE FAMOUS HYUGA ART, PASSED DOWN FOR GENERATIONS - BRANDING FAMILY ALIKE AS TO 'PROTECT' US - That's nepotism at its finest-"
Neji scrunched up his lip listening to me ramble.
"-One slim margin of the family reigns supreme and oppresses all the rest with something they horde to themselves. Does that seem right to you? How about fair? Hmmmm? Is that FAIR Neji-senpai?"
Biting into his lip, he fought back whatever he wanted to say. Defiance creeping into his eyes.
"We're already caged birds. Don't you ever want to be able to spread your wings? Information is life's greatest resource Neji, not to mention we need to get ahold of a space-time ninjutsu to be able to leave the village to prep for our insurrection."
"Don't call it that!-"
"-what? Insurrection?"
"-Yes! We are just replacing power within the clan, so don't call it something so vial."
"-But it's not. It's liberating. It means your fighting Injustice."
"I think we can agree to disagree… But you've been rehearsing this for a while to convince me... haven't you?" He said with a victorious smirk plastered on his face.
Why does he look like that?
"I'll help you. Besides - What kind of senpai would I be if I didn't support my Junior? - Though I do wonder… Aren't Itomi-san and you quite close? He might lose his job for this right?" Neji asked.
"Did you think all my talk of 'the price of revolution' was a joke?"
"Hm… I see," Neji said frowning. "But even if we have some distraction, we're not likely to get the guards to go help with that. There are guards stationed there 24 hours a day, every day - it's that important."
"I kinda have a weird idea that could get me some time with the guards away."
"-More crazy than starting an electrical fire from a stove near a grease and oil trap?!"
"Well, it's part of the reason why. We just need to diminish their importance in the eyes of their highest superior - which will be Hitoshi as soon as Hiashi-sama leaves tomorrow. If we do it and make it DISTRACTING ENOUGH while getting Hitoshi-sama in-front of them when the blast goes off, He might force them to assist. Giving me some precious alone time in the archive room."
"Okay - let's for a moment pretend like that plan is fully feasible. Now explain to me how you would go about getting into the archive room? It'll be a cold day in hell before a Master Lock-pick breaks into that room while under pressure. What can you do?" Neji asked.
"Hello? Byakugan and Dead Bone Pulse? - I can defeat any pinwheel mechanism."
"-Okay? ...Well how are you going to get the chef in the kitchen?"
"...I'm still thinking about that one." I said.
"Well think hard."
I can't be expected to formulate the whole plot this early! We would have a week before our last chance to act would be. There's nothing wrong with plotting something out if the idea never gets used - right?
Hmm… I wonder how many people would agree to that philosophy if it were used to scrutinized a world where Hitler only dreamed and never acted upon of his idea of 'Nazi eugenics'
"I'll sort it out later." I responded.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Kakashi POV)
Eight Days Later...
A cool breeze ran through my hair causing the grass to sway and dance. The headstone was exactly had it had always been. In all this time, things never changed.
The sun was retreating behind heavy clouds rolling in from over the horizon, painting the sky a grim orange.
The next generation is unprepared. They aren't ready to experience the futility. The failures, lies, and deceit which are inescapable truths. My only job is to get them ready, more ready than I was, then maybe…
My cool continence couldn't hide my fears from me. The fear that I could never hack it as a sensei, the fear that my comrades would die at my side or by my own hands once again in a cruel repeat of inescapable history.
My mind roamed, flowing through the many memories of everyone who imparted something important to me before their untimely departure.
Obito's trust that his sharingan would be put to good use defending his love only to be turned into the very weapon that took her life. Sensei's trust that as his personal Anbu, as his right hand man, that I could protect his ideals and the village, but I couldn't even protect him.
What good am I? I am useless as a protector. I'm unfit to be a sensei - so why can't Lord Third see it? Why does he keep insisting that I become a mentor?
The black headed Uchiha jumped to the forefront of my mind.
While it's true that now I'm the only proficient sharingan user left of the leaf, and that I had plenty of wisdom and battle experience to impart to Sasuke, that wasn't the Sandaime's intention from the start. It was the Hyuga prodigy.
The ethereal white headed wolf in sheep's clothing. A small girl with ungodly intellect and unsurpassed perseverance for self mastery.
She was a terrifying outlier. In normal cases where a potential security risk was so young, we could wait and see how their nature would bloom before taking action, however this was not possible in her case. Her obsession created a timeline where we needed answers sooner rather than later. To evaluate her before she could possibly become the threat that the Third feared - That was my real mission. Before she could wander down a path that was unrecoverable. Before she can become another monster the village hadn't seen since Orochimaru, He trusted me. His faith is misplaced, but all I can do is accept the responsibility and perform to the best of my ability.
Standing in front of the memorial stone inscribed with numerous names of people I had once called comrades and friends alike, I lamented the things I couldn't do. The things that were written in stone that could never be changed… because perhaps if I lemented enough about the past, the future might have a hope.
I wondered briefly what would have happened if I had never seen the Hyuga prodigy slip into the medical library inside the hospital during my role of Anbu promotional exams. If my curiosity hadn't left me trailing her and discovering her scent on the folder tucked away in the archives, and if I hadn't reported my findings to Lord Third.
Would she have been better off or worse off? Was it all a coincidence that she happened to stumble upon Orochimaru's research papers or was it her intention?
Despite the years since the occurrence, we still have many more questions than answers. And I wasn't quite sure what the best way to go about answering them was.
I am a failure, as I have always been.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Watari-Sensei POV)
My eyes glazed over the papers comparing them to the answer key I had made in advance. My hand marked each incorrect answer with practiced and repetitious indifference.
Incorrect… seems they got the correct answer originally, shame they changed it.
Correct… Correct… Incorrect.
Something broke my concentration, an odd feeling. Looking back over the paper, I noticed several answers which had started to be marked with the correct answers was instead replaced with incorrect answers.
-Not only that, but material that was overlapping in nature that was completed correct was in other areas plagued with conceptual inconsistencies.
Looking back on the paper, It became obvious the kid was tanking his score on purpose.
I retrieved my notebook from inside the confines of my desk drawer, opening to lesson plans and my own individual student goals I mapped out in advance.
Iwaizumi Nara: He is a withdrawn pupil with the potential to be one of the most successful students in class, however, chooses not to apply himself and coasts on his subpar grades. It appears his interests lie elsewhere, so I must inspire him to take lessons more seriously.
With this new information, It seems my initial assessment was off a bit. It's not that he coasts on subpar grades, he intentionally misses questions and feigns ignorance. Why?
Looking up from my desk, I saw the child in question tucked away in the corner of the classroom engrossed in his book while the other students socialized quietly.
At first, I believed his lack of competition in drills was due to not wanting to exert himself… But even that could be explained by his desire to appear ordinary. Just how high could his potential ceiling be if he became passionate? If he was willing to compete for class ranks?
I waited until the end of class, several of the kids running out of the room in a hurry, Iwa-chan still seated in his desk lost in his book. I approached the boy to no reaction. Tapping him on the shoulder, he snapped to reality glancing over at me with an annoyed expression, but quickly fading into apathy.
Placing a bookmark in the text and closing it with a thud, he gave me his undivided focus.
"Watari-Sensei?"
I placed his latest graded test I had finished during the wait before him - a 73.
"Is this really your best?"
His brows pulled together in frustration, his arms moving in front of him with a bit of a turn to create separation between us.
"Not every student is destined for greatness Sensei… I'm sorry I fell short of your expectations." He finally spoke after a brief pause.
"You didn't fall short of YOUR expectations though, did you?" I said pulling out several more papers.
[71 - 77 - 78 - 69]
His face flushed pink and his temple bulged.
"... I expected to get about those kind of grades." He admitted.
Progress. But why does he expect it of himself. Why is he limiting himself?
"Why? Is it because you can't do better? Or is it simply that you don't want to do better?"
"I CAN'T - OKAY? I'll never be like them and I've accepted that. I know my limits and I won't waste my time fighting the useless battle against the current just to drown."
"...Them? Who are you comparing yourself to?" I asked earnestly.
"Who else? The PRODIGIES! - Mina - Neji - Sasuke! - They were born always to be the best. Nothing I do can bridge the gap! Right? I'm not crazy, there's literally nothing." He said huffing and panting.
I stood silent, scanning over the boy for some time before he got a grasp on his emotions.
"So what you're saying is that you already know your precise limitations - correct? Even though your technique, body, and mind all have room to grow you can look at me and honestly tell me you know your maximum potential?"
"Well… No of course that's not what im saying. I'm saying that I know my maximum potential is beneath theirs."
"If you believe that someone's inborn talent is greater than yours, then your right." I said causing the boy to shoot me a confused look. One like I shattered his expectations. "-It will be impossible to overcome them with your effort and creativity… If you believe it. That act of believing that you are innately inferior to anyone is a trap, one that will cause you to spiral into hardships and ineptitude."
"You're honestly trying to stand there and tell me you think I could catch up to those prodigies?! Have you gone senile? How? -How could I possibly do that?" He demanded.
"Instead of comparing yourself to others, work only on improving yourself. Push all of the things you can't control out of your mind entirely. When you finally reach your ceiling that is when you can determine if someone else's talent is superior to your own and not a moment sooner. -Do you understand?"
He still looked to be on the fence about the subject, struggling internally with the knowledge I imparted to him. His frustration eventually disappeared leaving behind only desperation.
"You… You think that maybe… Maybe I could be better than them? Or even at the same level?" He asked sheepishly.
"I believe that there is always a chance while you remain hopeful. Talent is something to nurture and wisdom is something to hone. Remember that young Nara and you will go far in this world."
A slight smile broke onto his face, and he gave me an energetic and hopeful nod, his eyes shining with youthful exuberance for the first time since I had met the boy.
I did something wonderful today. I gave a child hope. What more could I ask for as a teacher?
"Thanks Watari-Sensei! I can't promise I'll change overnight, but you've given me a lot to think about."
"Good to hear. Don't be afraid to fail, in fact fail spectacularly. You learn more from your failures than you ever will with your successes."
"Yes Sensei!" He said.
A Nara with limitless drive would be fearsome indeed. The village needs more passionate youth.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina POV)
Neji and I deviously smiled at the plans we had drawn up.
They weren't perfect, and there was certainly room for error, so execution would need to be flawless, but as far as perfectionist natures go, I didn't know anyone more qualified than Neji to assist me. Sure - Sasuke favored strength and precision, yes, but Neji was more attentive to fine details and earnestly specific.
There was no greater person to put my trust in. I can't believe I didn't realize it before... but the inability to trust is more painful than the fear of betrayal. I feel happier… even if I know the impending tragedy that eventually awaits me - My entrance to the Akatsuki.
"Perfect - That about covers everything, right?"
Neji nodded in agreement, folding up the plans then handing them back.
"I already got our transceivers. All that's left is to meet up under the Great Gale Gazebo at 9:45pm. I'll cya then."
"Salutations."
Who actually says that? Whatever… I've got my bodyguard duty to uphold which is of greater importance since Hiashi is out of the hidden leaf at the moment.
Departing with a wave, I turned heading towards Hinata's personal chambers.
Arriving a few minutes early as usual, I followed protocol issuing a knock at the door.
"Come in!" A feminine voice called out from behind the door.
Acknowledging her permission, I shoved the door open without issue.
Candles were lit in the room sending flickering light unsteadily throughout the area and giving off a splendid aroma.
"It smells like... lemon and lavender?" I asked sniffing the air.
"The candles are called 'Citrus Bloom' but I apologize, I don't know the specifics." She replied.
Approaching closer, I opened my arms expectantly.
My favorite part of body guard duty. Our moments of intimacy.
A wide grin appeared on her face, her legs kicking into the ground as she sped toward me wrapping me up to which I needed to reciprocate. Her snug warmth warranted my affection.
Over the past six months she had grown more self-assured and confident. Bold. - A word I hadn't imagined needing to use describe her but now aptly fit her.
Her arms wrapped around my waist was my secret oasis. My vacation from the grim reality that was EVERYTHING ELSE.
"I was waiting for you." She said excitedly.
The essence of heat burned within every cell of my body. I radiated soothing warmth chasing away the chills of inadequacy, indecision, and doubt. Everything faded away into the background when we were alone together.
"How have you been?" I asked expecting a real answer.
"Good! I'm finally starting to understand attacking plant feet now thanks to you. Hiashi even complimented me before he left! Thank you so much."
"It's my pleasure. I love watching you get better, it inspires me."
She blushed at my words releasing me from our long hold. Her hands retreated behind her, and as she spun around, I noticed they were interlocked at the fingers. A nervous habit she had rarely shown lately alerting me to something on her mind.
"What's up? Something on your mind?" I asked.
"Nothing gets by you, does it?" She said cheekily.
"Not if I can help it."
She walked over towards her dresser, quickly running her hands over a rugged and worn red scarf.
"So… What are you thinking about?" I asked approaching closer.
"Well… I trust you more than anyone else…"
"Yes? Did you think that was some secret Hinata?" I asked playfully.
"Well...no. Phew okay here it goes - I want to have my first kiss - with you."
My heart drummed in my chest. Did - Did I hear that right?
"You want to kiss me?" I asked stupefied
"Well ya'know… No one else is closer and i figured… I want to try it."
She just came out and spoke her mind like that? She really has changed.
"Are you sure I'm worthy of a princess's first?" I teased poking her nose.
"Of course." she replied without deliberating - crinkling her nose cutely in the process.
Well… She knows what she wants. And I mean I know what I want... I just didn't think it would happen so fast!
Taking a step closer and reaching for her hand I said:
"Lady Hinata, it would be my honor."
"Stop that. This is an experience between friends. Rank and honor have nothing to do with it. I want to experience what a kiss is like, and I want my first to be with you-"
I silenced her with a finger over her mouth, staring into her sparkling and expectant whitewashed eyes.
A girl who knows what she wants. What a beautiful rarity.
Sliding my hand down the slope of her immaculately pale face until arriving at her chin, I clenched her free-hanging hand by her side side within my clutches, squeezing it gently to which she reciprocated.
It was moist with expectation, she was more nervous than she was letting on.
We were roughly the same height, her eyes longingly searching within me.
She has to see it, she can tell how much I care about her. She knows and accepts it!
I couldn't wait any longer, every fiber of my being spurred me to action. I leaned in closer rotating my head one way, However Hinata didn't rotate whatsoever, so as compensation I tilted further avoiding awkwardly killing the moment by smashing our noses together.
I closed my eyes after her own pressed together in delirium.
Our lips met.
Shockwaves of ecstasy supercharged my nervous system. Time crept to a standstill - like the moment was excluded by the universal laws that governed reality. The pleasant fragrance of citrus bloom caressing my nostrils.
Her warm lips already puckered together causing suction between our lips.
We are stuck together!
I pulled away first forcing her eyes to flick open - but I wasn't done.
I surprised her by grabbing her neck instantly coming back for round two, this time a smidge higher. Our lips didn't meet symmetrically.
I used my bottom lip to nudge in between both of hers to sneak my mouth over her upper lip sucking on it.
She squeezed my hand hard - probably of shock - but I didn't take it as a sign to stop, instead I saw it as positive reinforcement.
My hand pulled down her neck tracing my fingertips along as I explored down causing her to quiver.
She pushed my hand holding hers into my stomach forcing our lips apart, a strand of saliva connected our retreating lips until it inevitably broke.
She had the same goofy expression on her face that she reserved for when we were alone. I loved it.
"Woah… That-that was…erm - Incredible. How? -Where did you learn that?"
"It was all instinct, I wanted you to enjoy your first, so I wanted to do everything I could to make it the best."
While being part true, the 'all instinct' part was a blatant lie. I had my fair share of experience even if it weren't in this body. Hinata was my first in this world, and I wouldn't trade that away for anyone else.
"I see… All instinct?" she asked softly.
Her hands traveled up to her lips, touching them quickly and flashing me confused glances.
"What's wrong?"
"Well… This is all just so new to me I-"
"Shhh - shhh- shhh. It's fine. Don't worry about it. It'll be our little secret." I said with a wink.
The confusion transformed into joyful acceptance at my words, nodding vigorously. (which looked comical as red as she was.)
"It'll be our little secret" She repeated back in hushed agreement with a grin still nodding. "Thank you."
That was AWESOME! I can't wait to do it again!
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
The Katydids' chirps filled the moist night air. The night was bleak with only a sliver of the moon's crescent visible. The leaves around us rustled, but the wind shooting through the trappings ripped past in gusts drowning out everything else for moments at a time.
The night was wonderful. The breeze felt amazing on my skin cooling my hot excitement.
Hinata's kiss made this night very special, and with such high spirits - failure isn't possible.
My mind kept recalling the sensation of her soft lips. I felt fluttery and joyous never allowing myself the chance for negativity to creep back into my mind.
Everything will go to plan, and I'll be able to make Hinata mine.
The Great Gale Gazebo was a work of art for both its beauty and architectural functionality. Neji stared expectantly at me from his seat as I approached closer, a leg propped up supported by his knee.
Tonight we needed to be stealthy as rats. And much like rats, exploit the procedural loopholes of human civilization. Become conniving enough to outlive and outlast my competition.
"Took you long enough."
"Starting to get cold feet? Nervous maybe?" I teased.
Shooting me an annoyed glance, he pushed himself to his feet.
"Do we have time for such jokes?"
Man, He was all business right now. I could tell his focus was honed and undivided - Perfect.
"Here," I said reaching into my pocket retrieving an encrypted radio transmitter then holding it out within my hand. "Frequency A7 in case it somehow gets swapped, but it should already be preset."
"Of course…" He mumbled accepting the tool and sticking it into his ear.
Quickly I followed suit, jamming mine inside my ear canal then flicking the power button on.
"Testing-Testing-A1," I said establishing myself as Alpha knowing it would piss him off. I loided over him and gave him a mean spirited thumbs up.
"Testing-Testing-B2," Beta boy Neji said through the soft buzz of the speaker mildly displeased.
"C3 - Sedative confirmed consumed 40 minutes ago - Currently In position - Holding," I heard over the device.
"C4 - Awaiting confirmation of initialization."
40 minutes huh? Gives us about 20 to 50 more minutes before the target dozes off.
"B2,C3,C4 - Loud and clear. Any problems?" I asked.
"..."
Seems the channel is working as it should and both of my clones are ready for us.
Shielding the device with a hand, I turned to Neji.
"You ready?" I asked with a smile.
Instead of responding, he only returned my smile - his grin as wicked as I had ever seen it, a spark alighting within his mischievous eyes.
He tilted his head upwards marveling at our environment before sighing deeply and giving me the same thumbs up I showed him.
He is becoming more and more like me by the day. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. I guess after this we'll find out.
"Operation: Shock and Awe - Start! A1 granting C4 permission to continue." I said.
"Rodger - C4"
Guilt started rising like bile into my throat, however, nothing would stop me.
Stagnation spells my death. I must always move forward. Like a missile I will unapologetically reach my destination. A shark needs to keep moving forward in order to push water through its gills to respire, the same simplistic and primal instinct drives me forward in my endeavors to self persevere.
Neji and I went off on our separate ways, each contributing to the plan differently but of one mind.
I arrived at my spot, not far enough to not be seen if the guards Byakugan were active, but I had my reason for being here in the first place. I managed through knowledge to be accepted as a primary handler responsible for greenhouse care for our clans medicinal plants.
Orcas - better known as Killer Whales - Are a type of dolphin that requires it to outwit and outmaneuver its prey rather than the sole brutality of sharks.
I need to be as wise and resourceful as I am savage. My willingness to sacrifice is unmatched. Even my humanity is worthless before a divine entity.
I purposely neglected the plants in the morning refusing to water them. The heat during the day was too much to water them after the sun was beating down on them so heavily, they would surely have shriveled up. I neglected them on purpose to give myself an excuse to be here in this instant. No one would argue that care of these medicinal herbs didn't take precedence even over that of a simple kitchen fire.
"C4 - Sabotage operation complete. Locating decoy."
"B2 - Awaiting the signal."
"A1 - Mission parameters are within expectations."
Sticking the meter into the large reservoir, I waited for some time before pulling it back out, the meter reading 6.7 PH.
Ideal watering conditions are between 6.2-6.3PH for these plants, so I needed to add PH down, a gardening safe acid, probably 75 milliliters at least with how high the tank currently is.
After adding the solution and stirring the reservoir, I grabbed the hose and began watering the plants while keeping my eye on the two guards lazily stationed outside the clanhead's personal archive.
I could tell that the one guard was becoming drowsy by how he rested the weight of his head on his palm - occasionally leaning forward catching himself before he could fall out of his seat.
I noticed the topsoil of several of the pots had 'eroded' away thanks to watering, so I retrieved a soil bag. Scooping out some with a cup, I filled the plants I had doused in water that needed the additional soil before again returning to watering the plants.
The drowsy guard was now propped up against the wall sound asleep. The other guard having noticed was now taking responsibility for watching in his stead. Not uncommon as witnessed by our reconasainse this past week.
"A1 - Subject is out, C4, are we in position to blow the whistle?"
"Negative - Decoy has yet to contact the chef. He made a stop along the way. - C4"
I didn't know how I truly felt about calling Tokuma a decoy, but having him contact the Itomi himself would alleviate a bit of suspicion off myself in case anything unexpected happened.
Minutes churned by. My restlessness made me want to just jump into action, but my thin veneer of patience held strong enough to dissuade me.
"C4 reporting - Decoy has made contact. Chef is on the move."
"A1 requesting B2 to blow the whistle."
Heh. Such a humorous cryptic phrase.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Neji POV)
"A1 requesting B2 to blow the whistle." The speaker chirped.
With speed and grace, I arrived at the door solidly knocking at it.
No voice called out or responded to the knock, instead the door swung open, an elderly man with long grey stringy hair peered out.
"What is it?" He gruffly demanded.
"One of the guards stationed at Haishi's personal archives is fast asleep on duty. I see this as unabashedly incompetant and wished to inform you - sir."
The man let out a tired and annoyed sigh. I could tell just by how he carried his body that he was going to make the trip over to rebuke them. Perfect.
"Thank you Neji-kun. Your vigilance has not gone unnoticed." He said reaching for an ugly wool sweater he pulled on haphazardly to compliment his sweatpants.
"Just trying to maintain order Hitoshima-sama."
"Alright." He said stepping out from the door and closing it behind him locking the room. "You can run along now, I'll go give those idiots an earful."
"Yes Hitoshima-sama."
I turned to leave quickly but before I could leave the same voice spoke up behind me:
"Wait… Would you like to accompany me?"
This was not part of the initial plan, but I suppose I could keep a closer eye on him… No, In actuality that was not phrased as a question. He expects me to accompany him - doesn't he?
"If it would please you, sir."
A weezy weak chuckle escaped the man's lungs.
"I figured you'd enjoy watching the men get disciplined, or am I wrong?"
I need to stay in his good graces. Knowing his personality, there was only one thing I could say:
"I would gain no greater pleasure." My jaw clenched finishing those words.
"Heeh, come along then." He said waving a hand.
The man was light and decrepit, however each of his steps hit the floor with weight and confidence.
This old man revels in having ammunition to fire off at underlings. He truly becomes overjoyed when situations that piss him off presented themselves. He thrives in conflict. What a despicable creature.
The floorboards creaked underfoot as we made our way to the destination. I tailed by a few strides the entire way purposely.
We exited our building heading out into the night along a cobblestone pathway. On our path was another clan elder walking along with a cane who called and waved at Hitoshima.
Oh no…
Hitoshima stopped and began talking to the man. Their conversation skipping from place to place reliving their treasured memories together from the 2nd great ninja war.
Leaning away from them and bringing my hand to my mouth, I funneled my voice towards my ear.
"B2 reporting - Grumps is distracted. What is our situation?"
"C4 - The chef is in the hole - could be any second now."
"NO, NO, NO! I WON'T HAVE IT!" One of Mina's doppelgangers unleashed into my ear.
Ouch!
"A1 requesting C3 to run interference."
"Interference? What do you want me to do? Improvise?"
"Whatever it takes, go break them apart now C3!" she cried into the mic.
I held my breath not knowing what to expect of the situation. How would she handle this?
Within moments, the reminiscing men both turned their attention to the side.
A bush shook violently, and out popped a small dog that playfully barked.
Recognizing the dog, the two men looked back to each other starting to shoot the breeze as they say.
The dog stopped and brushed up against the elders leg who supported himself on his cane.
"Oh, you like my leg huh?" The old man stated with an affectionate tone.
The dog instantly laid down on its side, spraying the elders leg with urine as it made whimpering noises.
"Stop it damnit!" The old man cried trying to step back out of the stream.
The dog rolled over resituating itself so that the stream still sprayed the old man now hitting him in the chest.
Dumbfounded, I watched in silent amusement at this show of Improvisation.
"Scat! Git!" The old man shrieked while slinging around his cane at the dog striking it once in the side.
"Mhmppp mhmmmppp!" The dog squeaked rolling to its legs and running off.
"Damn dog!" The old man muttered beneath his breath.
A joyous airy laughter broke out from Hitoshima who was now bent over and slapping his knee. He shamelessly wiped a tear from his eye as his chortles of laughter died down.
"Animals have never liked you much, have they Jihnrai?"
"You'd think after 80 years they'd give me a break!" He said wiggling his now soaked pants leg. "Urgggh..."
"Well on that note, I'll let you go clean up, I actually have something that needs to be done. Cya ol' pal."
With a look of disgust, the old man limped away very stiffly, likely trying to avoid his wet clothes from touching and sticking to his skin.
Hitoshima turned around still faintly chuckling and shaking his head reveling in the man's misfortune.
"Alright, back on track." He said with an eager grin.
I followed him as we both stepped through the door of our destined building.
Rounding the last corner of the hallway, I noticed the one awake guard straighten up his back and nudge the asleep man leaning against the wall in his chair.
The awaken guard was wearing a bandanna hiding what I knew to be his bald head. The other man had a ponytail braided like a female for whatever reason.
"Hitoshima-sama!" He called out nervously.
The old decrepit man kept walking in silence. He projected a ghastly malefic aura and I found myself glad that I was behind the man and not between him and his focus.
He kept getting closer… and closer… and finally he was within range to touch the pony-tailed incompetent.
Leaning over as close as he could to the mans face that was still fast asleep I saw the elders eyes bulge and become bloodshot. Yanking the chair from beneath the man he simultaneously unleashed his extended hand like a whip that struck the incompetent in the face with a loud acoustic clap.
Yikes.
The man tumbled to the floor, the force of the slap causing his head to smack into the wall behind him waking him up.
"Is this a joke to you?!"
The slapped man tore his eyes open in fear and confusion as he rotated his head side to side from the ground before pushing himself to his feet.
"Err…" The man responded ignorantly.
"I'll teach you the consequences of incompetence!"
SLAAAAAP.
"Sir!" The other man interjected startled.
The ferocious gaze fell upon the bald man momentarily. The guard who had not fallen asleep - froze within that ungodly gaze unable to speak up anymore.
"You! You perpetuated this! You could have woken him up and instead did nothing. I'll deal with you later…"
The bald man sporting the bandanna audibly squeaked before a quick grin flashed across the elders face before passing, replaced by his typical scowl.
The other man prostrated himself before the clan's 2nd in command.
"I'm terribly sorry. I don't know what got into me Hitoshima-sama. Please have mercy."
What got into you? A sedative of course. I don't sympathize with you at all though. Your shoddy work ethic has been lacking for some time, this was just insurance that you would be caught today.
"Mercy?! You can't even keep your damn eyes open and you plead for mercy?!" He spat.
A dim flash of light leaked through the window being followed by a harrowing BOOOOOM.
"C4 - Kitchen is alight." my ear buzzed.
"What was that?" Hitoshima asked making his way to the window.
"Fire! Fire!" a distant voice yelled.
The elder spun around with a death glare. "You two idiots-" Pointing out the window."-Out there and make yourself useful!"
The two men frozen in place looking to each other in inquiry.
What are they doing?
"Did I stutter?! NOW! OUT YOU MORONS!"
The two men bolted off through the hallway ahead of us in what I assumed to be a sprint.
"-And you!" He said looking to me. "Help me direct these idiots so we can deal with this problem. You can help me can't you?"
"Yessir!"
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina POV)
A bright light flashed like a camera. The power transformer was ablaze, one of the electric cords snapped and was waving around shooting sparks wildly.
The buildings circuit breaker must have exploded alongside the stoves gas tank instead of just short-circuiting.
"C4 - Kitchen is alight."
Yeah it is, and the whole transformer. This is a bigger distraction than I had anticipated… Itomi is fine, right?
"A1 requesting status of the chef."
My heart lurched waiting for a response, but it would be wonderful to get a little peace of mind.
"Chef is alive but injured. Heavy burns and shrapnel damage."
My stomach sank. The world spun around me.
...Of-course….. A necessary casualty for revolution…
The hall of the clanhead's archive is empty. There isn't time for sulking, so get your head in the game!
Rushing to reach the archive door, I slid across the polished wood grabbing onto the wall's paneling to change directions in a scamper.
Hurry! I have to make this worth it! I HAVE TO.
Rounding the last turn, I charged to the locking mechanism.
With the help of the Byakugan I could see inside the complicated lock, however the wall was white and nothing behind it could be made out.
The walls of this room were specially made to repel the intrusive vision of the Byakugan like lead shields off x-ray penetration.
The lock had 4 different sets of pinwheel's all positioned 90 degrees apart from each other. Each set had 9 varying pinwheel locations making it impossible to pick the lock with conventional methods.
Resting my palm on the entrance of the locks opening, I pushed calcified bone through it, branching it apart to each of the 36 pinwheels pushing it into its designated place carefully and turning my wrist with a click.
I slid the door open enough to squeeze through shutting it behind me with another click.
There were MANY shelves - so many in fact that finding what I was looking for became a bit daunting.
I noticed the top of each shelf had a designated tag.
"Scrolls...scrolls...history...history...traditions...bylaws...jutsu!"
Yes!
My finger pulled along the spine of each handwritten record to reveal the title of each work that for whatever reason wasn't written on the spine for ease of access.
"Earth style: defensive Jutsu variation instructional… Uchiha Fireball analysis… water dragon hand signs… Kazekage's Magnet style analysis… Yamanaka's Mind destruction analysis… Raikage's Lighting style: chakra mode analysis … Fire release: Heavenly— Wait a second…"
Flipping back to the document before the last one: "Raikage's Lighting style: chakra mode analysis."
Hmm… I'll take this with me.
Shoving it into a bag strapped to my back, I turned my attention back to the multitude of records I still hadn't sifted through.
One by one with systematic haste I checked each record, notebook, and document.
"Grumps is returning to Hiashi's archives! Get out!"
Nooo! I can't quit this deep!
"B2! Stall him anyway you can! PLEASE!" I shouted.
"Negative, he is in a rush to retrieve something for the fire. Get out! I repeat get out!" Neji whispered through the speaker.
Tearing things from the shelf now dangerously rushed I scanned over the beginning of anything I could find.
"Fire sty— Yang Relea— Chakra reshaping— Lava Sty—"
"He's close! Bail! BAIL-BAIL-BAIL!" Neji pleaded.
"C4 in position for substitution!"
"Water—Hiruzen's—Flying Thu—Summoning—"
Without looking at the rest of the title, I stuck the document under my arm.
The door lock clicked from behind my back.
"Substitution - Release!" I whispered.
"The door is un—He's entering— are you out?!" Neji barked in my ear.
"Chill! I'm out— I'm out."
"Ugh - You about gave me a panic attack. You didn't need to call it that close! You can still go back after he leaves as long as he didn't notice you were in there."
I looked down at the document in my hand. The paper shook in my twitching hold - my Adrenalin riddled body couldn't remain still any longer.
Summoning Jutsu Instructional.
-I couldn't believe my eyes-
"Mission Success!" I exclaimed.
"—Really?!" Neji asked excitedly.
"—Really!"
"—What a close call, You have veins of ice."
"The pressure never gets to me!" I happily lied.
Screw all other comparisons. I am a mighty figure of only myth and legend. I'm a dragon! Fuck the stories of Ryu Raitofangu! Long may they sing the legacy of Mina Hyuga - The living incarnation of Izuna. A re-shaper of worlds and slayer of 'gods.'
My fingers and legs still twitched from my abnormal state of panic.
I was right, tonight was the perfect night to unhatch this scheme. Hinata's lips and this Summoning Jutsu instructional are my trophies. What more could I ask for from a night?
Tossing the document into the bag I swung off my back, I held it firmly in my grasp imagining a dark void swallowing the bag — Transferring chakra into the void in exchange.
Poof.
The bag disappeared from my grasp.
Everything went perfectly...
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
Authors Notes: Give me that Feedback! I need to know how I'm doing :) - BTW My favorite heist movie of all time is probably Ocean's Eleven which is in part the inspiration I used for this chapter.
Reviewer Question: - Guess what Summoning Familiar Mina will form a contract with?
…
**SPECIAL THANKS and COMMENTS to the great people below who left me a review, It means a lot!**
-The Jingo - " Thank you for voicing your support for the chapter. Mean's a lot as a fellow writer."
-Irina Akashira - " The seal merged with her chakra network, allowing it to be used at any time. This is included within the stasis of Time Stop that Being-X has used several times to communicate with her while everyone around her were oblivious."
-Guest - "I'm sure the man proposed the condition to teach the jutsu as ghoulish overkill - Never believing that the great Hyuga clan would succumb to servantry of a lowly sand genin. But the fact he actually taught her was probably steeped in pride. Sure it's not smart, but in reality the Sand and Leaf were on paper allies if not then in the process of an alliance. It's not too ridiculous In my Opinion."
-totoro27110 - " Hope you enjoyed my work inspired by Youjo Senki. LMK what you think."
-LazyWriterBG - " Thanks for your support. I allured to the summoning animal this chapter but like I said in a comment before, it's hidden with several red herrings. Your message was the final straw to break the camel's back when it came down to deciding to actually release my first draft of my Yu-gi-oh Fanfic. So Thanks Again."
-Ur fckng judge- " Glad to see you care about my work so much that you wrote a comment on my New Yu-gi-oh GX fanfic. Seems like your jealousy is manifesting as butt-hurt because of my success and your evident ineptitude. Hope you the best pal. ^.^ "
-hmmm - "The story was never intended to keep Mina powerless in the presence of Being-X the whole story. Mina will eventually be able to fend for herself, and it's not too far off."
-Lazarith - "I share your excitement at the prospect of the Tenseigan and the subject matter will certainly come up in the future. However it'll take time to find out enough information to have any real clue at manifesting the Tenseigan."