Article 35 - Chapter 31 - Gone with the Wind
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.
-Also, still accepting Beta readers/ Editors! Hit me up with a PM-
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Last Chapter: Excerpt)
(Mina POV)
"I am at war with a divine entity. It knows no honor, only prejudice. It wants to destroy me and watch all humans suffer for nothing but its own amusement, but I can't stand the thought of it continuing to succeed."
A flash of surprise and worry spread across Hyboren's face at my statement.
"The god of death feels cheated by your return huh? Since you're our master, it seems we need to best Death together?"
"You… believe me?" I asked in shocked sincerity.
"It makes sense. How else would you return back to life? You must have triumphed over death at least once, so we just have to keep winning right?"
With a weak smile, I nodded my head.
"Death is a mere toddler with great power. Continued victory over him will become easier everyday. In time I will slay 'it' and replace 'it' as a new god."
"-so that's what you meant when you told the Elder you would become a god?"
"Exactly." I agreed.
"... Remarkable, truly remarkable. HEHEHEHEHE! Ahh, I knew trusting in you was the right decision. I knew it!"
┬┴┬┴┤ Chapter 31 ├┬┴┬┴
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(Mina POV)
It seemed after my last encounter with Being-X, I lost my gift of Chakra sense earned from overcoming my chakra hypersensitivity. It was only truly useful when my Byakugan weren't active so it wasn't too detrimental, but I was curious as to why I lost the ability. I was unsure if it was temporary or permanent, but I guess only time could tell.
My bone ripped through my thumb giving me access to my blood. Without delay I pressed it into the parchment finalizing our newfound contract.
The contract's ink reacted to my blood immediately, turning a cyan blue while streaming light out. It was as if the characters on the page were cut-outs, effectively a negative, and the contract was laid on top of a projector.
The characters mirrored shone on the ceiling of my new clan's headquarters. Many of the clan didn't seem to accept me immediately, but I'd have plenty of time to change their minds about me, to demonstrate my value.
They'd come around eventually.
"With that, the ritual is complete!" Hyboren announced.
"Why did you do it instead of the Elder?"
"Erm- well, your victory was… so awe inspiring that I too challenged Elder Willzyakk to the contest soon after you, and achieved my first win over him. He must have been devastated by his loss to you - yes."
My vision narrowed. The bullshit alarm in my head was blaring, but I couldn't be asked to figure out why. If he didn't want to tell me right now, he probably has a reason, and I should leave it at that.
"...I see." Was all I could manage with a straight face.
Scanning my surroundings, I took in the sight of all the clan members I had gained from this contract. When they were clustered together like this, it was even more impressive than when I saw them cheering in the stands.
"Hyboren, I wish to address my clan."
A loud Squawk burst out reverberating off the stone walls turning out to be a deafening nightmare. The birds who were restless and rowdy fell to the ground in a respectful bow deathly still and silent.
Wow… Quite effective! I thought while giving my adugent a thumbs up of approval behind my back.
Scanning over the faces, and allowing this moment of silence to build anticipation, I wanted to read the individuals. I wanted to understand what it meant to be the Clanmaster, and how else better than learning about them.
" I understand some of you may have your doubts ~ you question whether I am fit to lead you…" I said pausing, watching the recognition in manies eye's at the truth of my words. "It's only sensible to come to this conclusion, because you have known nothing else. I have come to understand the history behind your clan, your pride as the mighty Highfliers whom combated the other prominent clans without a summoner all this time, who have achieved so much on your own."
Coughing to clear my throat, I readied myself for my next words.
"You are all greedy and prideful ~ insatiable creatures."
Sparks of animosity spread throughout the room after the realization of my words.
"Yes, but I'm here to tell you your greed and pride are nothing compared to MINE. Victory and Success? They are delicacies, but I know no restraint. I WANT THEM ALL! I will lead all of you to glory, power, and wisdom. I will not rest until our clan is feared from every corner of this world. Until we're given the due respect worthy of the Highfliers."
The crowds morale which had started dipping did a 180. Eye's lit with understanding and hope stared back at me.
This is it! I know what they want, They want the same thing as me. Of course they do.
"I swear by my title 'King of the Sky', and on my spirit's name: Izuna Uchiha, That I will do everything in my power to bestow all of you with your carnal desires. YOU ARE NOW MY FAMILY, MY BLOOD. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? STAND WITH ME BRETHREN AS WE ENTER A NEW AGE. SEND YOUR VERY PRAYERS IN MY NAME UNTIL YOU WANT FOR NOTHING MORE ~ WHICH SEEMS UNLIKELY AS I KNOW WE ARE THE SAME ~ GREEDY - PRIDEFUL - INSATIABLE CREATURES!"
The roar of the crowd as they all rose from their bows shook the very foundation of the building.
A hearty harmonized chant began in my adoptive name: "IZUNA! IZUNA! IZUNA!"
Unable to hold it back any further, my wicked grin slipped past my guard.
Excellent! I was right to pick 'them' as my summons. A perfect fit.
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With my contract finalized, I'm ready to return to the village.
Before I took my leave, I left my clan with only one new rule for them, that in the presence of anyone outside the clan or in the outside world, they must use my mortal name - Mina Hyuga.
This is a surprise though - I thought. As much as I hated the idea of inking my body, I now had a permanent tattoo for ease of access of the contract.
I probably wouldn't have ever gotten a tattoo in my past life, but then again tattoos didn't have groundbreaking possibilities did they? If they could have helped in my survival or sporting performance, I doubt I'd have hesitated even a moment. I'd have leapt at the opportunity with open arms.
The worlds are so different. And even as rough as this life has been, I'd never have gotten the chance to humiliate Being-X in the ways I'm capable here. All the sorrow and anguish are worth it and I'm sure I'll have even more shots to humble it.
The symbol representing our bond was none other than two detailed crossed wings with a sword at the forefront of the piece. A bit gaudy in my opinion, but the art decision wasn't left up to me.
Rubbing a trail of my blood on the tattoo, the reverse summoning process began. The surrounding reality bent and tore. My body was sucked through space, the eerie noises played like a distorted recording of metal scraping a chalkboard while a complete spectrum of colors blurred past at a blinding speed.
Ejected to the dirt, I fell recognizing my newfound surroundings as the same area I attempted the summoning jutsu to begin with.
The blades of grass tickled at my skin, the cool breeze through the tree's calling back the nostalgia despite not having been gone more than 5 whole days.
But 5 whole days… It was much longer than I had expected. I hope there are not significant ramifications for my actions.
With no time to spare on procrastinating any further, My legs hastily carried me to my destination, the Hyuga compound.
As I got closer and closer to my residence, my heart grew heavy. Guilt weighed me down as flashbacks of my last encounter with Tokuma played in my brain.
He's probably worried sick…
Slipping past several of my clanmates trying not to be noticed at the compound's gate and taking the route least likely to have me encountering clan members, I rushed towards my home
Reaching the door to the house I decided I should at least check and see if Tokuma was inside, and since I lost my Chakra sense, Byakugan was my only tool to scout.
Byakugan!
My vision shifted, but reverted back instantaneously.
"… Wha?"
Upset at such a novice mistake for someone of my caliber, I focused harder and provided extra chakra to ensure the justu's success.
An x-ray overlay flicked over my detailed vision. Straining I could make out an the expected man inside the home.
Gulping as I reached for the door, I knew that I'd have to answer for my absence and accept responsibility.
Release. The extra visual information vanished from my senses.
The handle felt cool to the touch, my body freezing in place as I squeezed it.
Calm down idiot. Everythings going to be fine.
I slid it open with extra strength than I intended causing the door to crash against the built in stopper with much more noise than I would have liked.
The familiar masculine figure shot into the hallway from the living room, his face visually brightening. In no time flat, I was swept off my feet into his arms, his forehead nuzzling into me like a hyperactive canine reuniting with it's master.
"Mina… Thank god you are safe!" He exclaimed tears welling in his eyes. His lips quivered staring at me in disbelief as if I were a mirage and if he looked away I would be gone.
He pulled me tighter into his chest, into his embrace, and I figured I wasn't in a position to oppose his will, so tightening my legs around his back, I gave him what I suspected he wanted - all the affection he could handle.
"I'm… I'm so sorry Tokuma."
"Shh-shh-shh baby girl. It's alright okay? Everything is fine now that I've got you back."
Baby girl? Well… I suppose I can make an exception this one time.
Being in such close proximity, I noticed the absence of the usual smell of alcohol on his breath.
"W-What-" He started before choking. "What happened to you?"
"I'm sorry for making you worry…"
"That's not an answer young lady."
The truth would need to come out eventually I reasoned.
"I performed the summoning Jutsu, but I was sucked into the summoning world instead of bringing one here."
An astonished gasp found its way into my ear, his arms wrapping me in tighter. "You… Reverse summoned yourself…"
"Yeah! I ended up dropping right next to eagle territory. They were really nice and I competed in a contest of theirs and won earning a summoning contract."
"Do you realize how dangerous that was? You have no idea just how lucky you are to be alive right now!" The volume of his voice rising. "I-I don't know what I would have done if you never came back. Please can you talk to me! Tell me what's going on in your head so I can set you straight before you jump into these insane things all on your own!"
The guilt was killing me. I knew exactly what kind of damage this would do to him, and all the same I did it. I knew and I did it anyways.
Even with everything I know now… I still woulda gone through with it… I'm such scum.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to worry you so much. I never expected to be ripped away from home, and for so long at that." I lied.
Tokuma finally released his deathgrip on me, shooting me a curious look. "Who in the world taught you such a dangerous jutsu!? Where did you learn it?"
"Self discovery. I watched Kakashi-sensei do the hand signs and I've been experimenting to figure out how to initialize the jutsu for the past 6 months."
"You managed to execute the jutsu with only the hand signs? Well I suppose you've become adept at copying jutsu's with your Byakugan, not to mention you seem to have quite the intuition for these things. But that doesn't excuse this, you can never do anything like this again!"
"I said I was sorry! If there is a dangerous jutsu I want to copy I'll come to you next time."
"Mina… do you understand just how lucky you are? I don't think you comprehend the scope of what's happened to you."
Ofcourse I know, but I need to play ignorant because no one in my position would do what I've done with perfect knowledge if they didn't have my trump card.
I shook my head no trying to give him a strong look of confusion.
"With your current skills, I would say your chance of survival coming back from a reverse summoning was 0.5% or lower. If you did it 200 times, you might have survived once."
Really? Were my odds really that low? I knew it was risky but he's accounting for my skill, not the average ninja's. I figured without Leon I'd still have a 5% chance. Is he underestimating me?
"Hiashi-sama returned two days ago and has been informed of your disappearance. We must inform him of your safety at once, lets go." He said tugging my arm roughly while slipping an overcoat.
No… This part might be even worse...
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"Tokuma-san, please excuse yourself." A stern voice cut into the silence.
"As you wish Hiashi-sama"
Before exiting for good, my parental figure turned around giving me a concerned look and mouthing words quickly at me.
We'll..talk..later? Oof, no doubt he's still upset at me.
The door closed behind Tokuma, trapping me alone in the room with the clan's patriarch.
"I can explain." I said while gaining my bearings.
"I already know everything, but go ahead." He said with a scowl.
Everything? Surely he's bluffing.
Stepping forward and straightening my back to befit a member of the Hyuga, I stared determined to gleam what he had already discovered as I talked. "I ended up reverse summoning myself to the summoning realm and gaining an original contract. I know my actions were reckless and my success rate was low and have since been informed of the stupidity of my actions, but on the bright side, my actions will bring more prestige to our clan."
Slamming his fist on the desk, the crunch of splintering wood made me wince.
"HOW DARE YOU PRETEND YOU DID THIS FOR THE GOOD OF YOUR CLAN! DO YOU THINK OUR CLAN IS A JOKE? DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO THINK WE CAN'T CONTAIN A SIMPLE ACADEMY STUDENT?!"
This wasn't right. Shouldn't he have been happy at this news?! Why is he so pissed?
"Sir?" I asked.
"Don't play dumb and mock me further. You know damn well what you've done. You made a mockery of our clans traditions and security. You broke into the clan master's archives and stole the summoning scroll. Everything you've done you've done for yourself - so stop pretending you did it under any other pretenses."
How does he-
"If this gets out I'll be a mockery! No! ~ Our entire clan's name will be a mockery. Don't bother to deny it, after returning, we discovered the traces of the reverse summon and I confirmed the scroll was missing myself. I swept it under the rug thinking you'd never return, but here you are in the flesh," he finished before raising his voice into a bloodcurdling scream. " WELL? WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?!"
"I-I-uh… It's exactly as you said Hiashi-sama. I broke into the clan archives in order to find the rest of the secrets of the summoning Jutsu, but I would never spread that information publicly."
"And the fire in the compound, that was your doing wasn't it? Your nothing but an agent of chaos. I should execute you here and now. Do you think you are wiser than me GIRL?"
"No sir, I don't think-"
Hiashi burst into maddened laughter cutting me off. "YOU DON'T THINK?! I'm astounded at your newfound honesty, but is your brain only useful for scheming? Maybe it can't function properly?"
He gripped at his hair in his frenzy. Goosebumps broke out across my body at his display of madness.
"I'd cut you down right now! You hear me? I'd cut you down if only people wouldn't ask questions, you've been a thorn in my ass from your very conception. You were a mistake. Of Course you'd turn out this way having inherited the madness of the Kaguya." He said in a darkened voice. "...But perhaps you can still be useful. As clan-master it's my responsibility to best utilize my subjects is it not? So I will extend you an offer you can't refuse. This little problem we seem to have, we will both forget it ever happened, never to reach the light of day. It WILL die with us, here and now."
"..."
"This mercy will be extended to you for the price of needing to fulfill your promise of silence and an additional 5 personal requests which will be kept off all records and not tied to the clan without issue or question redeemable at any time of my choosing. If you are caught during any of these, you will be expected to take responsibility for your actions yourself and will not receive assistance from the clan. Do you accept these terms Mina Hyuga?" He finished by flopping backwards into his chair glaring at me with a ferocious intensity.
"I...If you permanently remove me from Hinata-hime's body guard duty, I will graciously accept your offer."
The glass pitcher full of water and ice clanked as he picked it up by the handle. Rearing his arm back, he launched it across the room. Ducking down, I avoided it, the pitcher impacting the bookshelf behind me shattering into innumerable pieces.
"You think your in a position to make demands?!" He said standing to his feet practically huffing. "Fine, as of today you are removed from my daughter's protective duty, but you'll be doing 6 favors for me now, Understood?"
"I accept your terms Hiashi-sama."
"Good. Now get the hell out of my sight before I change my mind."
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With the afternoon winding down, I was more tired and fatigued than normal. It was only understandable as hard as I've been pushing myself lately, so after deciding to neglect my training for this one day, I returned to my humble home.
Trying to sneak up the stairs unnoticed was woefully unsuccessful. A tug on my shirt from behind nearly made me jump out of my skin.
People really have an easier time sneaking up on me without my Chakra sense.
Spinning around, I faced Tokuma, who held out his hand expectantly to me. Acknowledging his request and reaching out to him, he grasped my hand tugging me down, through the living room, and finally into the kitchen where he stopped and took a knee.
"I have something I want to show you." He said.
A spark of curiosity lit inside me wondering what he could mean.
"Mina... I'm not going to lie, I haven't been the best father to you, and I apologize from the depths of my heart. I realize it's been real tough - for both of us - but that's no excuse for all this. Now that we've only got each other to rely on, we need to be even more dependant on the other."
"You… need me?" I questioned.
"More than you'll ever know, which is why-" He said pulling the pantry cabinet open with his free hand. "I've thrown out all the alcohol I own. I know that I've shown you that crutches are acceptable, but from now on when I need help, I'll come to you instead, not the bottle, I know your a smart cookie and reliable to boot. All I ask is when you need help, you come to me, okay honey? We're family after all, and we're gunna get through this together - you and me. We don't need anything else, right?"
My throat tightened realizing what he meant.
"I'm... sorry…" I struggled.
"No more I'm sorries. No more secrets. I'm your dad now, and it's high time I start acting like it."
My neck leaned back, helping me get a better view at this man's face I have known for some time now. A goofy smile plastered across it... all to put my heart at ease.
He… he wasn't so bad. But unfortunately I've already fallen too far for your rope to save me… It can't reach the bottom of the void. It's my destiny to leave the village behind.
My heart fluttered as if to argue with my reasoning.
I know this! yet... still my heart protests? What is this all of a sudden? Do I want to leap into his arms? Why?
Gritting my teeth and clenching a fist, I held myself back with all my willpower.
This is not a time to be weak! Giving him the illusion of a family and then ripping it away would be more heartless than keeping my distance - would it not?
"For better or worse your stuck with me, so we might as well make the best of it right?" He said, tears trickling down his rosey cheeks.
My self-control… has it gone with the wind?
I found myself selfishly crash into the man, sobbing like a blundering idiot. My slender hands cupping at his shoulders from beneath his arms. I pulled myself into his warm security. His hold on me delicate yet strong.
"Who's to say you won't leave me all alone like everyone else?"
"I won't be so easy to get rid of, I've got something worth fighting for you see?" He said squeezing my thigh.
It was an empty consolation, but I've grown from the person I used to be. I've learned to just accept whats infront of me in the moment and worry about everything else as the time comes.
"I can't bear to be miserable all the time, so I will treasure you as you are… daddy." My cheeks got hot as those words left my lips. This was the first time I ever addressed Tokuma as such a vulnerable and embarrassing title.
His stupid grin only widened after hearing that. I could tell this was what he wanted, what he craved. What he's been waiting for all this time - for someone to love him in Ayasha's absence, especially if it was me, Ayasha's daughter.
Ayasha-san, I'll take better care of Tokuma for you ~ in your loving memory. I must be losing my grip on reality… But maybe that's not such a bad thing after all.
"Sit down with me." He said ushering me to the table where paper was placed side by side.
He took the seat further inward where one of the papers were laid out patting the seat beside him, the outside chair. Taking the hint and quickly sitting beside him, I looked down at the paper to find the text: Mina Hyuga's Will.
Shooting the man a disbelieving glance, he frowned but sternly nodded to me. "You understand how close you were to death do you not? How dangerous our line of work can be? It's about time you came to terms with your own mortality. Maybe you won't be so reckless if you make a will with me that shows you what you stand to lose."
He wants me to make a will?!
"I - uhh…"
"If you died tomorrow, where would all your possessions go? What arrangements or last requests would you want carried out? The world doesn't stop if you stop living. This might shock you, but the world doesn't revolve around you Mina. You need to understand how you've impacted the lives of others and what your legacy will be. How will you be remembered?"
I could only stare indignantly at the man at a complete loss of words.
"Sit here and think about it with me. As long as it takes, I'll be here."
I must have really scared him if he's willing to go this far… The anxiety of parenthood - huh?
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My feet flew down the stairwell in haste. I had somehow overslept even though I went to bed last night early.
12 hours!? What am I a log? A sloth?
Slinging my equipment onto my back, I shoved the door open and slammed it behind me.
Scurrying my way around, I came to the designated meeting point I visited yesterday. From the distance, The flag which I raised the night before was no longer visible. My footfalls stalled as I came face to face with an individual in a black robe whose face was hidden behind a ceremonial mask.
"Third-sama has been awaiting your arrival Silverwing." He said while tossing me a cloak and mask of my own.
"Then by all means, lead the way."
Looking down at my rental, I questioned if there were some hidden significance or if it were just universal irony at work.
A squirrel mask huh? I thought with a smirk.
The journey was quiet and uneventful. We arrived at the Hokage's office, and once inside, I stripped the mask off my face.
The man sitting behind the desk sat upright with an aura of command and power surrounding him. His eyes razor sharp penetrating through me in evaluation.
"You are here. There is much we must discuss."
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In the end, I kept my promise to Hiashi, favoring to exclude the details of raiding the clan archives for a multitude of reasons. I didn't know for sure if the most prevalent reason was my own self-interest or out of loyalty to my vow, but either way I kept my word, and in the end that's all that mattered.
Replacing the mask on my face, I exited the room with my anbu chaperone into the hallway. My eyes were pulled to the black spectacles of one of my substitute sensei's. He was pulling a cart stacked no less than 2 feet high with hardcover books and literature along with a look of excitement.
"Your studies are progressing faster than I anticipated. With my instructions you will certainly surpass even your grandfather."
A short child was waddling behind the instructor's cart with a look of disinterest instead favoring to stare out the window. The kid's hair was dark brown and messily unkempt.
"Ebisu-sensei, don't you think electricity is wonderful?"
Unable to peel my eyes off the kid, I questioned if this was really Konohamaru or if Hiruzen somehow had a 2nd grandchild I hadn't heard about. Last I remembered - Konohamaru was a bit of a ditz and hated instruction... or was that all an act after meeting Naruto?
With 'Talk no Jutsu' Naruto's idiocy might actually be contagious! All the more reason to be glad I managed to worm my way out of his class.
Quickly exiting the building, I decided I couldn't hold off on my training anymore. After returning back to the rendezvous point and returning my borrowed gear to visit the Hokage in secret, I headed for my typical training ground.
Training was my one therapy and place of happiness where I could sharpen myself and strive for personal mastery. Nothing is ever all good though, although training myself is where I'm the happiest, but there is no denying the flip side of things - that it brings out some of my underlying toxicity.
Striving for perfection with the precognition that I would never reach it. To sweat, bleed, and exhaust myself in an endless loop. It would bring me closer to my goal but never to achieve it.
I must be a masochist… My favorite activity in my life is basically meaningless in the end, but the fact its unachievable is what makes it so desirable. Perhaps it truly is the human imperative to strive for what is unattainable. It's Adam and Eve's forbidden fruit that religious scripture of my last world spoke of. Proof humans are defective - but even if true, who made us this way? If we are creations of god made in his image, what does that say about our god?
Arriving at my typical training area, I pulled up the sleeve of my shirt exposing my tattoo to the boggy afternoon air. Bone spiked through a fingertip at my command and I ran the bloodied finger down the length of my inked skin before performing the necessary hand signs.
The seal springing to action along with feeding it my chakra, I imagined calling forth Hyboren from my imagination. A blue hued luminescent glow radiated from the seal and a puff of smoke materialized.
The smoke dissipating, my eyes laid upon a young eagle to my annoyance.
"Can i do anything fucking right?"
"Master Izuna? You summoned me?" The adolescent brown bird chirped.
"Mina! Mind our location!"
Letting out a sigh, I accepted my own ineptitude realizing that it might take a while to learn to retrieve the correct summon at my whim,
I can't ride this one, it's too small.
"My apologies! I didn't mean to-" It started before I cut it off with the wave of my hand silencing it where it stood.
"It's fine, just don't forget again." I said watching the bird nod in understanding. "Do you know any ninjutsu?"
A light sparked inside the animal's eyes as he spoke up: "Yes, my mother has taught me several of her wind jutsu so-"
"-Wonderful. Stand 10 meters back and aim them at me with the intent to kill. Don't worry, I'll deflect them all."
Cultivating chakra into my hands, the glow of the gentle fist accumulated by oozing into place with abnormal viscosity, taking longer than usual to channel.
Minutes flew by as I deflected and repeled the chakra based attacked with more difficulty than it should have taken. Eventually I found myself on my knees panting for air and lightheaded.
"I just… need a little break is all." I gasped.
Leaning back and sprawling out on the ground, I knew something wasn't right with me.
I became winded in training far too easily, my chakra feels sluggish and harder to control, I'm less recovered after rest and sleep far longer than normal. Lastly, I even lost my chakra sense ability. Something was happening to my body but I couldn't understand what it was.
Is it puberty? Perhaps I'm sick? Those questions swirled around in my brain.
Foliage from beside me rustled with movement, making me raise my guard, and rolling to my feet at the ready.
Past the shrubs, the identifiable black hair and stoic eyes of the legacy of the Uchiha clan popped out into the open
"Sasuke!" I blurted out.
"How insensitive. You didn't even bother to invite me?"
His voice was cold with indifference, but I knew him too well to not read into what was going on behind the scenes. No doubt he was worried about me.
Tokuma did mention he visited our residence twice while I was away. To walk into the heart of the Uchiha's greatest rival's clan in just to ask about me… it was a sweet gesture.
He no doubt was bathed in worse stares than even I get. The fact he would do that is a testament to his value and dependence on our relationship.
"I'm… not feeling 100 percent to be honest. I should be up to speed in no time though, it's nothing to worry your little head about."
His eyes were getting sharper by the day. It seemed every time I saw him he could uncover more about me from a glance. That less of me was shrouded safely behind my facade.
It's going to be increasingly dangerous to keep secrets from him. He's not stupid, I bet he can tell something isn't right even now...
"So… I hear you are the youngest person since the establishment of the Hidden Leaf to earn a summoning contract. Is this one of your summons?" He leaned his head sideways motioning at the bird.
"Yeah. I earned a contract with the Highflier Eagles. Are you impressed or something?"
He held his composure while folding his arms into his chest. "Yeah? I unlocked the 2nd Tomoe of my sharingan while you were away. I looked through my clans records and I'm the 5th youngest in my clans history to do so."
"Wow. Seems we're both getting stronger. If we keep up this rate, we might be able to get our revenge after graduation."
"No…" He said hanging his head.
"Hmm?"
"I'm not progressing fast enough. Even with all my hate and passion, It isn't enough." he said looking down to his arms.
Following his eyes with my own, I noticed evidence of rope burns around his wrists.
"What happened there?" I said pointing to the broken and inflamed skin.
"I told you I unlocked my second tomoe. You don't think I managed that doing push ups did you?" Turning away as he finished his sentence.
I can't tell if im positively or negatively affecting Sasuke at the moment. He's certainly much stronger than he was at this age in cannon, but now he's also even more hungry and reckless… That will make him harder to control and maintain unless I'm the only one who can feed his power fantasy. Unless I'm the only one he can trust.
"...So can I join you?" He asked.
I brought my hands together releasing my summon back to their home - Mount Kitagari.
I can't let Sasuke see how weak I am. I'll call it quits for the day and try again tomorrow. I'm sure I can do better tomorrow.
"Actually I'm done for the day. I was hoping I could come over to your compound and hang out for the rest of the day." I said nearing and bumping shoulders with him playfully.
"Who would want you showing up to their home?" Bumping me back with a smirk.
"The lonely Uchiha boy who visited my house twice if I heard correctly."
His cheeks pinkened while he cleared his throat in a theatrical manner. "I have no idea what your talking about."
"Sure you don't ~ loser." I said bumping into him again.
"Hn, Brat ~ just invite yourself over then why don't you." He retorted slamming his shoulder into mine harder.
"Admit it, you want me to come over."
"Hn." he huffed with a shrug. "Who knows."
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Sasuke POV)
Leading the way into my late families home, I slid the door shut behind the girl who all but forced herself into my residence.
"Don't touch anything." I said.
"This place… is disgusting. Don't you ever clean up after yourself?"
Taking the opportunity to acknowledge her statement, it dawned on me how messy and disorderly I let the place become. Dirty plates and glasses were stacked in the sink overspilling clearly visible from the entrance. My worn laundry was heaped and piled in the corner of the room. All my training and educational resources were spread out on the livingroom table open to the last place I was reading for ease of access.
Having it pointed out to me by anyone else wouldn't have mattered as it wasn't any of their damned business, but the fact it was her did make me feel a slight bit of shame.
Why is everything different when it comes to her?
"I didn't know I was going to have any visitors. Lay off."
Without hesitation, she walked into the kitchen and turned the faucet handle causing a stream of water to shoot into the sink.
"What are you doing? I told you not to touch anything." I said slapping her hand away from the sink and turning the water off.
"Stop, I can't deal with this mess. I'll graciously help you clean, no thanks necessary."
She went to reach back for the faucet handle, but stomping a foot into the ground I made her pause and grabbed her attention before pointing back to the common room. "I can clean by myself. You - sit down over there and relax for a minute."
"Your soo stubborn, you know that? But I'm worse, I'm helping and there's nothing you can do about it ~ so there."
My face grew hot thinking that she had to take care of me. Damnit - I can do it by myself - I just put it off a bit because there are more important things at hand is all.
"I'm perfectly capable of-"
"AND I'M PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF HELPING. So shut up and take your loss with grace loser."
Gritting my teeth, my shame rose an extra level. "Spoiled Brat. You always find a way to get what you want, don't you?"
Joining me at my side in front of the sink, she bumped her hips into mine and grinned a malicious smile.
There was no defense against her! If she wanted to walk all over me their wasn't a way to stop her. I wouldn't ever admit it to her face, but that strength of will was one of her best qualities. She always made her own decisions no matter what anyone else had to say about it. Its admirable ~ well for a girl at least.
Turning on the faucet, she and I knocked out all the dishes with haste. I was tasked with drying and putting them up due to the simple logic that she didn't know where they went. And so that's how she weasled her way into helping me clean my house.
"No - Don't touch those. I left them that way so I can find my place as fast as possible."
Watching her shoot me a confused glance, she accepted my reasoning and instead of shutting and organizing my resources, she plopped down on the couch instead.
"That makes sense and all. But I mean, you could just use bookmarks like a normal person, but you do you I guess."
Sitting down in the wooden chair next to the couch I buried my face in a hand out of compulsion.
"So… what was the summoning realm like?"
Turning her neck to peer at me sideways while laying on the couch, she let a victorious smile slip across her face. "What was your training like?"
"I asked you first!" raising my voice of annoyance.
"...Hey Sasuke… there's something I need to tell you." She said in a hushed tone.
"Yeah? Does it have anything to do with the question I asked?"
"It doesn't, but-"
"Then I don't want to hear it." I said folding my arms together.
"... it can't wait."
Her deadly serious tone made my blood run cold. Whatever it was she wanted to say, I now knew it was serious.
She sat up staring into my eyes, and patted the cushion of the couch beside her.
Unsure how to respond, I only stared at her, trying to understand what was happening. Trying to predict what this was going to be about.
Her eyes' narrowed and she patted the couch harder leaving no room to question her. I felt like a dog at her beck and call, but what else could I do when she looked at me like that?
I have to know.
Planting myself beside her, she leaned into me, her breath hot on my ear.
"I overheard something I shouldn't have." she whispered.
What was it?! Was it something I said?
"I understand this stuff might be hard to believe, but I need you to listen to everything ~ okay? Promise me."
What's with her tone? Is this about her mother's death? What else could have her so grim?
"Hn."
"-Promise me!" She demanded.
"Okay fine - I promise, happy?"
She didn't acknowledge my response, instead she searched my eyes eerily.
"Itachi slaughtered your clan. You already know this, but what you don't know is a man named Danzo orchestrated it all."
The back of my neck tightened and I found myself unable to draw breath. My temple throbbed alerting me to my rising heartbeat. The room around me faded, draining of color, until the only thing that I could see was the lips of the Hyuga prodigy moving.
Danzo… Village Elder… Had to stop the Uchiha's Coup d'état… Ordered … Extermination… NO THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT! I MUST HAVE MISREAD HER LIPS!
"NO! IT WAS ALL ITACHI ~ DON'T LIE ~~" I shrieked.
Her hand popped out of nowhere cupping my mouth shut.
"Shh-shh-shh. I wasn't supposed to hear this, and I know they don't want you to know, but I have to tell you anyway."
I fought to shake my head free of her grasp, but she had a surprisingly firm hold and wouldn't let me loose.
"Sasuke - You're an avenger like me. To us, truth is the most precious commodity there is. Are you going to listen to me or not? You promised!"
Recalling my words to her, I couldn't continue acting so childish, I had given her my word I'd at least hear her out. So I nodded displaying all the understanding I could muster all while tears spilled down my cheeks.
"You clan was planning to overthrow the system of power in the village and claim it for themselves. They had it all planned out and everything, but Itachi decided the village was more important than his clan. He hated violence and didn't want to see a revolution between his family and his village. He made the ultimate sacrifice by killing all the Uchiha with the exception of you because you were his most special connection. He got Danzo's permission to keep you alive and negotiated your protection and took the brunt of the responsibility for the clan's massacre all on himself. I don't know if any of the other village elders were involved, but the hokage has to at least know what happened and helped sweep it under the rug and bury it, all to save face for the village."
"...Impossible. That can't be! My brother is the heartless murderer. I know he is! He just - just wanted me to hate him so I could get stronger and be a challenge for him."
"What I'm telling you is the truth. Itachi might have committed to the plan, but he did it out of love for the village and a lack of better alternatives."
My blood ran hot. My teeth felt like they might break from the pressure of my jaw pressing them together.
"How would you know?! HUH? - How would you know anything about this?!"
"The eagles had an artifact they called 'The observation orb' - and with it, you can peer into an area and see and hear it like you were there. I was playing around with it, and I spied inside the Hokage's office where he and the man named Danzo were arguing. The majority of the story came out from their mouths, and the rest I pieced together with research."
"They must have tricked you! It can't be real!" I said.
"They didn't know anything about the Uchiha massacre. My summons didn't even know anything about the hidden leaf village or your clan besides that they existed somewhere. I promise everything I've said sofar I know to be true."
"That… can't be…" I said, my fingers shaking uncontrollably. "That would mean… my revenge needs to be against the village… and that everything I know is really a lie… that even the hokage is disgusting filth who needs to be cleansed."
"It was hard to believe for me too. If you still want your revenge, My offer to help you still stands. If you want to tear down the whole leaf village and rebuild it into a fair system that knows of Itachi's sacrifice ~ then so be it. I'll be there every step of the way. But we have to hide our intentions for now. We have to build our strength and apply it at the correct time if we ever hope to overthrow the system."
"...Treason, what your suggesting is treason. Why would you… go so far? Just for me?" I asked unable to believe what I heard.
"You're basically all I've got Sasuke. I'm going to help you no matter what it is, and it doesn't matter if I have to make enemies with the whole world to do it. I want nothing more than to help purify injustice and have a world where unfair actions are rewarded with due judgement."
"You… want to make a better world?"
It was unbelievable. All this time I was so fixated on just destroying my brother and Orochimaru but never thought about what would come next. Not only was I wrong about my brother, but I was thinking too small. What would it matter to wipe out 2 evil people from the world if the world itself is actually flawed? Someone would replace them unless significant enough change happens.
My vision distorted and my emotions came spilling out of me uncontrollably. I couldn't hold back the flood of feelings spilling out as my entire world view shattered. It was what I clung to for security but even that was ripped away.
In the end? What did I have left?
I couldn't see anything through the torrent of tears streaming from my eyes, but the firm comforting embrace of Mina was recognizable.
"I'm so sorry…" She whispered.
She was the only thing capable of grounding me. I don't know what I would have done if her grip didn't keep me rooted in her arms. If she didn't understand my pain and wasn't my lifeline in the hurricane of life threatening to swallow me whole.
My cheek felt how moist her shirt was becoming, but my self control was nowhere to be found. My face was buried in her chest and no matter how I tried to reason that it shouldn't, I couldn't pull away. It was all I had left.
She was the only thing left that was important to me now… But how would she view me now that she knows how weak i am? Would she change her mind about me?
Thoughts whirred by in flashes. Questions I didn't know I had were being resolved one after another, opening myself to entirely new questions that needed to be answered.
"It's going to be okay. We'll get through this together and we'll be stronger for it. Stronger than anyone else."
I have no idea how long I shamefully cried on her while clinging on like a leech. It had to have been hours. So many hours had passed and she still held me firmly, rocking me and offering comfort all while being soaked in my tears and embarrassingly my snot. I don't know If I ever felt more self-loathing in my entire life than I did in this moment.
The fact I couldn't save my family from Itachi's butchery even took a backseat to how worthless I felt now. Well - maybe not, I just don't know anymore.
I couldn't cry anymore. I think I've exhausted the supply my eyes could shed. I was desolate now understanding even my village had betrayed me.
No - that's not true. I'm not entirely empty. Mina Hyuga is the single redeeming thing in my life - no in the world.
"Mina… I need to show you something."
My eyes were itchy, so much so I wish I could scratch them, but straining to keep them open, I stared at the girl who was demonstrated her tremendous trust in me.
I need to prove my trust in her.
"Yes? What is it?" She replied.
"It's… just follow me." I said grabbing her hand and leading her out of the home. Her hand was warm and damp.
Making my way through the vast network of paths inside the Uchiha District, I arrived at the destination.
I lead her to the entrance of my clan's main hall. Forced to relinquish her hand, I undid the seals on the doors one by one, until only the last one in the shape of the sharingan was left. It could only be dispelled through a sharingan's natural genjutsu.
Channeling my rage, the color scheme of the world shifted alerting me to the activation of my families dojutsu. Releasing the final seal, the door opened, and I took the lead entering first.
"What are we doing here?" I heard from behind me.
"This is sacred ground for my clan, no outsiders are allowed here in the Naka Shrine, but your as much as family as anyone I've got left, so I need to show you my clan's hidden meeting spot."
The air was stuffy inside as the building hadn't been opened in some time. Dust caked the floors and tables but I hardly paid it any mind.
A girlish sneeze sounded behind me, and then another. I couldn't help but smirk thinking that even she doesn't have control of her body.
To the right, yes… The 3rd mat...4th...5th...6th...7th!
My fingers curled underneath the tatami mat, pulling it up and revealing a hidden hatch. Lifting the hatch with the metallic handle, a creak sounded and a dark passageway was inviting us down into its depths.
"Wow!" I heard the impressed voice as we found ourselves in the secret small room.
Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!
I launched the attack into one of the shrine's ceremonial torches whos exterior was decorated with painting of glinting red sharingan. There was another ceramic torch, but I lit it by transferring the flames with a dry wooden stick.
"This place is crazy! What's this?" She said pointing to the stone monument affixed to the wall.
"This holds the greatest secrets of our clan." I said before gasping.
There… there's more written here than there was last time?
"What's up?"
"There's more here than there was last time i read it."
"Yeah? I can't read jack shit."
"You need the sharingan to read it." I said.
"So what? Now that you have your 2nd tomoe, more of it is visible to you?"
What a reasonable deduction to conclude.
"Maybe…"
"Well… What does it say?"
"It says . . . . ."
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina POV)
My eyelids are heavy.
I haven't done much of anything all day, and I'm still tired? Woke up late, trained for 20 minutes tops, consoled a child, and I'm this tired? It makes no sense.
Strolling along the Uchiha district with Sasuke back to his residence, I realized I wasn't going to make it back to my home tonight unless I left right now, and leaving right now was unthinkable if I still planned to capitalize on Sasuke's current weakness to solidify our relationship.
Bringing my hands together into the classic clone seal, I spoke: "Shadow Clone Jutsu."
The clone would have already known its designated instructions since I made it after considering it. The clone would go straight to bed and lock the door, but it would be suspicious if it didn't return with my ninja tools, so before leaving, I made sure to hand off my gear.
Watching the clone saunter away, I looked back to the Uchiha escorting me.
"What was that all about?"
"Who knows how late I'll end up staying out, so I needed a contingency plan so Tokuma-san won't worry about me."
"Hn."
I was uncertain whether my legs had somehow become lead during our little trek. The probability was low, but as heavy as they were it couldn't possibly be zero.
Reaching the entrance of his humble abode, Excitement rushed through me at the prospect I could curl up on his couch and maybe I can rest my eyes real quick.
The flick of a lightswitch set off a chain reaction forcing my pupils to constrict. Shielding my squinted eyes, I focused on looking at my feet to find my way to the couch.
Leaping into the inviting leather cooshie furnashing, my fatigue melted.
It was like I was at the midpoint between conscious thought and sleep. I could make out some words directed at me, but i couldn't bother to even process them.
A fabric abruptly swallowed my face jolting me awake as I pawed it off.
Over me loomed the familiar Uchiha, the last of his respective clan within the walls of Konoha.
"If you were just going to fall asleep as soon as you got here, why didn't you walk home earlier?"
Oof… He's right. I can't waste this opportunity.
"My bad, I didn't think I was this tired. But I'm up now."
"Just go to sleep brat. You have bags under your eyes like an old crone."
He didn't? No - he couldn't have?
Frozen in place while scanning Sasuke for tells, but that cocky smile he adopted was the final straw breaking the camel's back.
I rushed him, and he swiftly went into evasive mode as I chased him around the house.
"What are you doing?!"
"How dare you compare me to some old crone! I'll teach you my wrath when I get my hands on you."
Chasing him around had to bear fruit eventually, we were in an inclosed area with many dead ends, it was only a matter of time.
Finally cornered, that cocky grin of his vanished like the wind, instead disturbed confusion replacing it.
"Your mine!" I shouted catching him with my interweaving dead bone pulse.
"Substitution."
You've got to be fucking kidding me…
"Hmph - You're going to have to try harder than that."
Things continued like this for a period, before both of us called a truce.
Sitting on the hardwood in a hallway with our backs pressed against the wall in the dark, we started talking about the most random of things, until the conversation shifted towards our particular world views.
"Do you ever wonder if there is a direct correlation to lower intellect and 'niceness'?" I asked.
"What, like the smarter someone is, the less inclined someone is to be nice?"
"Yeah. In my opinion, Being nice without a purpose is something stupid people do to hedge their bets."
"That… might be one of the most cynical things I've ever heard." He responded.
"Maybe - but can you think of any evidence that would disprove my theory?"
"I mean… well… no."
"It's not provable without evidence, but at the same time, it's also not refutable. It's just a thought."
Silence fell over us, but we had long since become comfortable with extended silence. It wasn't awkward, or boring, merely natural until someone had something else to say.
"Looks like I'm going to have to revise my plan for revenge. I don't know what I'm going to do now." He said.
"Maybe that's a good thing. As soon as you realize what it is your going to do, you're going to become a slave to your revenge anyways."
"A slave? - To revenge? Never - I'm the one who'll be in control."
"You're lying to yourself. I've planned out and stewed on my ideas for revenge and long since lost my internal locus of control. I'm a slave to circumstance and opportunities in ways you can't begin to imagine."
"Your a slave to your revenge?" He questioned.
"In a sense, yes, but I'm a slave to more than simply my revenge. It all started with the realization that life as it is now cannot be cured, only managed."
"Who says it can't be cured? This sounds like your 'Niceness' theory, pretty - but can't be proven or disproven, so is it even worth talking about?"
"It's just a thought, like i said. Your argument is similar to 'Newton's flaming laser sword,' but the point of bringing this stuff isn't to debate it, but segway into other related topics.
"Yeah - like what topics?"
"Can a human cure the sickness that is humanity? Such a feat must be reserved for a God, don't you think? I've found myself asking myself this more and more lately. The more I come to understand, the more I realize I understand nothing by comparison. It's a crazy paradox…"
"..."
"If everyone in the world was comfortable, would that mean we successfully eradicated the sickness?" I asked.
"I'm not sure."
"Comfortability is a mentality for the sheep of the world. If your woke to your reality, the only logical response should be uncomfort. Why? Because our existence is precarious and terrifying. By that logic, If everyone in the world was comfortable, we would be living in blissful ignorance, which is the whole reason society tries to prevent us from thinking for ourselves. We are to fight the villages enemies without argument, We are to accept rules and laws of our land because we live within them, but the law doesn't protect the people, the people protect the law. The moment we as a collective realize we don't want to honor those laws anymore, the governing body loses its power."
"You've thought about this a lot, haven't you?"
"Well someone had to."
My head kept slouching down, but my fight to remain awake would jerk it back up again until it inevitably fell again.
Sasuke stood up from his position on the floor nudging me with a foot. "You should go lay down. Get some rest."
I wanted to argue, but somehow it wasn't in me anymore. Zombified, I strolled into the living room crashing on the couch and covering myself with the blanket. I leaned my head against the armrest despite its awkward orientation because at this point I didn't care anymore. I could probably sleep on the floor to be honest.
It was cold even with the blanket, and I had a brief thought of how wonderful it would be to curl up with Hinata on a night like this. I could clearly envision it, but even the thought of her lost its appeal.
She didn't want me, So I didn't need her. I would cut her from my life entirely and back Hanabi instead.
I don't care what anyone thinks about it, I'm going to do it anyways.
"Here's a pillow" I heard before my head involuntarily raised and something was placed beneath it. My hands found their way wrapped around something warm next to my head - an arm - and without thinking, I pulled it towards me.
A heft appeared on top of me, and it was so warm, much warmer than my pillow at home. It writhed around like it was trying to break free, but I wouldn't let it out of my grasp.
"What are you doing?!" I heard.
What was I doing? Getting comfortable. What a stupid question, who asked that?
"Please...For a little bit?" I whined groggily.
Suddenly the warm figure stopped fighting and went eerily still.
Then - something my pillow could never do - the figure wrapped me up. The warth chased away my internal doubts and the existential cold all at once. I was being softly squeezed, and the sensation was so human like it called back memories of my other worldly lovers. The great pleasure I took in spooning with them until I was so sweaty I couldn't stand it. It was a nice callback, even if I knew it was all in my imagination.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
Yawning I clenched my eyes together harder. My arm wouldn't move and it had gone numb. Opening my eyes, I nearly let out a shriek before silencing myself.
Sasuke was lying beside me, and my arm was stuck beneath him. But not only that, his arms were around me.
What the hell happened last night?
His eyes flicked open - and our gazes met, before it dawned on him what the current situation was. Pushing himself off me, he fell off the couch onto the floor with a thud.
"I - I - I…" He stuttered. "This never happened."
He crawled to his knees, then to his feet, and scattered out of the room in a full out retreat.
I was boggled. I had no clue how this situation arose, and I was more embarrassed than anything, so I could deal with a vow of silence pretending like it never happened. That would be preferential to be honest.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEE-OOP…
The Alarm cut off and the only thing that could now be heard was the creak of floorboards. I could hear the young Uchiha pacing around the house like he was trying to wear a hole in the floor.
Laying still on the couch for a minute, letting my heartbeat fall into regularity, I racked my brain for answers.
How did this situation even happen? Who initiated it? What is he thinking?
The more I thought, the more I realized that the answers didn't matter, so finally I came to the conclusion to drag myself up and onto my feet.
I approached the sound of pacing footsteps, and Sasuke spun around with large wide open eyes falling on me before shifting to the ground.
"Nothing happened." I said reassuringly as possible, but it came out more like a question.
"Nothing happened." he parroted back.
"Okay, glad we are in agreement." I said nodding my head. "I've got to go take care of some stuff. I'll catch you later."
Without waiting for his reaction, I turned and left, not bothering to look back.
That's it! I can't put it off anymore. I have to seek a professional opinion. I have to understand the changes I'm undergoing. This weakness doesn't suit me, I have to have it resolved.
My footfalls bringing me closer and closer to the hospital that by now I could walk to with my eyes shut.
It was nothing but innocent cuddling! Not anything more. Besides, it's not like I'm even attracted to men, he was just - just a warm body. Sasuke probably thinks the same thing. No he probably things even less of it. Mhmmm, Nothing funny going on here.
Stepping through the entrance, the unmistakable stench of chemical sterilization wafted into my nostrils. My stomach weakened as soon as I arrived, but I wouldn't be dissuaded so easily.
Slapping the bell atop the counter with rapid succession, the receptionist peered over his shoulder at me with a hint of annoyance, but I couldn't be asked to wait patiently.
"Yes?" The man garbed in scrubs asked.
"I'd like to see a doctor in your diagnosis department."
"..." He looked me up and down and looked like he was fighting back a laugh before he tossed a clipboard over my way. "Can you or whoever brought you here fill this out for us? When your done, bring it back and a doctor will see you right away."
Taking a pen from a cupholder sitting on the countertop, and heading back to one of the seats in the waiting area, I filled out the many data-entry slots on the pages as accurately as I could, as fast as possible, and promptly returned to the receptionist.
Upon reaching the counter, I noticed the bell had gone missing, and the man behind the counter must have seen me notice, because a smirk flew across his face accompanied by a shrug of his shoulders before stepping out of the booth and into the depths of the building.
Frustrated, I tapped my foot standing at the counter until a new receptionist took the mans place after several minutes.
"Hello, how can I help you?" She asked.
"This is my paperwork for my doctors visit. Please let me know when your ready for me." I said handing over the clipboard.
I looked back at the cupholder full of pens on the counter, but annoyed, I pocketed the pen instead of returning it.
This is a consolation for your poor customer service.
I waited and waited, then waited some more. After a while, I was called up and lead down a series of brightly lit hallways until arriving at a door to examination room 1-64 on the first floor by a nurse practitioner who asked me to wait patiently for the doctor before closing the door behind her.
There was a poster of a human skeleton along with an index of the many bones making up the skeletal system. I found scanning it up and down trying to identify particular bones and systems of bones by their appearance before confirming my guesses.
The latch of the door clicked, and as I turned around, I saw a middle-aged man in scrubs entering through the now open doorway before nodding to me and slamming the door with bored indifference.
"It says here that you are suffering from hypersomnia, fatigue, and... changes in chakra consistency? Correct?"
"Yes."
"I see." The doctor said pulling out a flashlight, reaching out and cupping my chin with a hand, and shining the light in my face. "And when did you notice these changes start happening?"
"2 or 3 days ago." I answered.
Behind the surgeon mask, I could tell he made a face, but had no idea what it was having been masked.
"Can you say AAAAAHH for me? - yes but stick your tongue out. Excellent." He said pressing his thumbs into my neck and making his way downward. "Any idea as to what might have caused this?"
"Maybe a large spike of chakra sent through my body?" I questioned.
The examination continued on pretty normally gathering more information, testing my reflexes, ect…
The doctor took a sample of my chakra in a culture jar and headed out the room with it. By the time he was back, he brought a Hyuga back with him to my dejection.
I guess I wouldn't be able to keep this visit hush hush anymore.
After further inspection, both the individuals rushed out of the room, and when the main doctor returned, he had his mask removed and a grim expression was plastered on his wrinkled face.
"I've got good news and bad news, what would you like to hear first?"
"The bad." I said.
The Doc let out a sigh before saying: "You have advanced degeneration in your chakra pathways the likes I've never seen in such a young person like yourself. The lining of the pathways are stripped and weak, not to mention several capitalaries which act like exchange centers to different parts of the body look as if they've been healed but incorrectly - we call this type of defection a Nonunion, and they can't be restored without surgery and therapy."
My mouth dropped open as I could only look at the man dumbfounded by the news.
"The good news is that with proper treatment and recovery, you should be able to nearly return to your prime after only 6 to 12 months. Your lucky you caught the damage so soon because if you had waited much longer, the damage would be much more permanent."
He said I was… LUCKY?! I'M FUCKING LUCKY I'M CRIPPLED?! FUCK YOU! WHAT IF I BROKE ONE OF YOUR LEGS? WOULD YOU BE LUCKY IF I ONLY BROKE ONE? THAT I MERCIFULLY STOPPED AFTER ONLY THAT MUCH?!
My breathing grew erratic as I struggled for air.
The doctor pushed the door open yelling out "Patient is hyperventilating in exam room 1-64, requesting assistance!"
What is happening to me? Why me? Why is it always me?!
"Huuee-ooof. Huueeee-ooooof. Hueeeee-eerkkk." The noises I was making scared even myself.
"Patient undergoing a panic attack, coming through, clear the way."
Why me?!
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
Reviewer Question: - What's your Favorite Anime with more than 1 season or 20+ episodes?
My Top 5 (in no particular order):
Overlord, Re:Zero, Stein's Gate, Psycho-pass, Youjo Senki - (Technically the movie is season 2 so fight me)
…