Like always AN can be ignored!
Thank you madstack for your detailed review!
I hope the later chapters have or continue to address 'gamer bloat'. However, while I've considered editing out a lot of it in the early ones, I think it adds to the MC's headache and eventual adaptation. Some of which will be showcased in this chapter.
Still, I agree that descriptive systems flow better.
To your second point, the first chapter initially began with a dream sequence regarding the gamer power, but those types of openings are really played out. So instead, the MC uncovering the mystery behind their power became the 'plot hook'.
I'm just surprised anyone is reading this lol.
As for 'Kaiki Nisshoku' not being a real name, your right!
Like most Naruto characters, not named after Japanese folklore or other stories, it too is a pun. With the full 'name' being 'Total Solar Eclipse' in reference to 'The Seal of Sun' and 'The Seal of Moon'. While Nissho meaning 'sunshine' or 'sunlight'.
Kishimoto being a fan of Dragon Ball, followed Toriyama's naming convention. So I'm naming any OCs in this fanfic after puns or references. Although it's not a crossover, you might catch some name drops from other manga and anime.
Finally, I prefer to warn people of changes and things that'll happen so they know what their getting into.
Like now!
This chapter will cover Shurikenjutsu testing, some world building, and get a bit dark; though not too much.
I hope you enjoy!
Edit: Grammar fixes.
Upon our return, the Academy field was fully prepared for Shurikenjutsu testing. All 45 of us were made to stand in line, corresponding with the same order as our row sitting arrangements. While facing Suzume-sensei, who was facing us and positioned at the field's center-most point. In the time that we were gone, she had changed her blood-soaked dressings, and equipped a new pair of glasses.
"We'll begin testing your Shurikenjutsu against stationary marks, while increasing the number of weapons thrown by one after each throw. Until you are throwing ten kunai at once, and the same will apply for shuriken." Exactly 50 meters towards our instructor's left were 10 targets, and 50 meters to her right stood two weapon racks; one for kunai and the other for shuriken.
Hitting unmoving marks 100 meters away was pretty standard, I doubt even The Dead Last would fail this early into our test.
"You'll then continue on to moving targets, which will also follow the same progression." Each time she readjusted her unfitted glasses they reflected the sun's glare. "After that, you're stationary and moving targets will be hidden amidst blind spots, marking the end of your Shurikenjutsu testing."
"We'll begin in 2 minutes." Suzume-sensei began jotting down on a wooden clipboard as she walked towards the weapon racks.
00:01:59 Time Remaining Until Shurikenjutsu Testing Begins
00:01:55 Time Remaining Till Testing Begins
00 Hours 01 Minutes 50 Seconds Till Start of Test
01:45, Time Before Test Begins
'Set Alarm to 01:00, Before Shurikenjutsu Testing Begins'
I was still figuring out little quirks in 'recalling' information. Currently, my top priority was exploring the ability to abbreviate and change how information was fed into my mind. While it appeared that I could switch things around, the end result seemed to convey the same 'Info'. However, the more I tinkered with it, the more it felt like my body and spirit were becoming accustomed to the pulses. As if breaking in a new pair of shinobi sandals.
Shurikenjutsu: 10, EXP to next LVL: 0/100
Shurikenjutsu: 10, EXPERIENCE until next LEVEL: 0/100
Shurikenjutsu: LEVEL 10/100, EXPERIENCE 0/100
Shurikenjutsu: LVL: 10/100, EXP: 0/100
S.J: LVL: 10, EXP: 0
Was it alive, like living chakra? Due to the nature of our energies, leaving behind imprints was not impossible. Perhaps it was some form of inheritance left to me from my physical and spiritual donors meant to activate at a certain age?
01:00, Time Left Before Shurikenjutsu Testing Begins!
Weird.
Guess I can get rid of my alarm clock.
Then again, our written test had gone beyond the supposed time limit. Although, sensei waking up shortly after the last test was turned in couldn't have been a coincidence. Therefore, the accuracy of its countdown required more experimentation.
"Start us off, pupper!" Suzume-sensei shouted from behind the racks. The same Inuzuka from before walked towards her with a Ninken at each side, one black the other white, all the while trying to mask their embarrassment by scowling.
'Identify.'
Title: n/a
Rank: Median Genin
Country: The Land of Fire
Hidden Village: Konoha
Reputation: LVL 0/100(Neutral), EXP: 0/100
Clan: Inuzuka
Name: Shippo
As they neared, Suzume-sensei knelt down while extending both her arms towards the black pup. Who was quick to break away from their pack, and jump into our instructor's waiting embrace.
Only to bite down on her right forearm.
After a moment of stunned silence, with the Ninken's partners pausing mid-step, Suzume-sensei's dark chakra shroud flared up; becoming far itchier and more opaque than before.
"Ah! Cutie, why!"
"Kuroinu, let go!"
The Inuzuka ran up to sensei while their second pup yipped up a storm. I could see Suzume reaching into the Ninken's mouth, yet, its jaw seemed clamped shut on the bleeding appendage.
"Hope it takes her arm. Maybe she'll learn to keep the remaining hand to herself," Tenten's chirpy tone caught my attention. It was the first time she spoke since we left training ground 44. She was standing to my left, casually twirling a kunai in her right hand and spinning a shuriken with the other. While she was far from being the only one getting some last-minute practice in weapon handling, I couldn't help interpret the action as her being closed off.
Though, it's not like I was eager to talk about what had transpired in the last hour.
"Hmm.."
Shinobi and Kunoichi-in-training or not, it was still embarrassing having been caught 'getting to know each other' by The Snake Princess.
"Ah.. thank you, pupper," Suzume-sensei spoke, kneeling before our Inuzuka classmate and holding onto them long enough to make their interaction uncomfortable.
Is that how others had perceived her 'inspection' of me?
-1 Lifeforce Energy Points
A sharp finger poke caused me to look back at Tenten, who was now twirling both weapons in her left hand. At least it wasn't a kunai or worse a Ninken, yet I still rubbed the now sore spot on my upper arm.
"See what I mean?" With her right hand, palm side up, she pointed at Suzume-sensei who was now 'petting' our classmate's head. Shippo's chakra currently radiated the sensation of a dog wagging their tail, while they held onto their two Ninken; busy yippin at and trying to bite our oblivious instructor. "Kinda like that, but only puttier and way more embarrassing."
I found that hard to believe, as it didn't seem like the Inuzuka was even trying to keep still while Suzume-sensei nuzzled their neck.
"And yet, they're swooning far less than you did."
I frowned, while simultaneously trying to suppress both my chakra signature and facial reddening.
"That's really annoying, I don't cold read you so-"
"Because you can't," she interrupted me, while pulling out another kunai and shuriken to spin in her right hand.
"I could if-"
"I let you." The presence of her chakra signature plummeted, making it too difficult for me to interpret. If I concentrated solely on her I'd probably be able to decipher it, but then I'd miss out on my peers going through their Shurikenjutsu testing.
"H-"
"Mm.."
Instead of continuing this childish argument with her, I chose to refocused my attention back on Suzume-sensei. Who seemed about finished with 'thanking' our classmate for having rescued her from the small black dog she had previously antagonized.
The very same Ninken that was now back in her re-bandaged and re-bloodied arms.
"Alright pupper, begin!"
Shippo reached for a kunai on the rack to their left, and gave it a quick spin before flicking it towards the right middle-most target board. The weapon released a loud thunk as it struck the wooden mark. Though it was an off-center bullseye, it still landed within the one centimeter-wide red circle.
"Woo!" Suzume-sensei's cheering was accompanied by the yipping of both Ninken. After a moment, she made a hand signal and the kunai popped out of the board and fell. "Now let's see you hit two for two."
With a kunai in each hand, they flung both at once towards the middle two boards.
"Double-bullseye!" A bit too close to the edge on both marks, but definitely in the center region.
Taking more kunai, three thunks followed, then four, five and so forth. Until at last with five kunai in each hand, the Inuzuka nailed ten simultaneous marks. Yet, they only managed a couple more center hits after the number of weapons per throw increased to three. Repeating the same thing with shuriken, it marked an end to their stationary target testing.
"Yay!"
Hitting static objects this far into our Shinobi training, wasn't really something impressive. However, the way Suzume-sensei was reacting you'd think they'd just struck down a couple of Kage.
-1 Lifeforce Energy Points
"Is sunshine jealous?" Tenten whispered into my ear. She was still able to read me so easily, and I lacked the control necessary to suppress my chakra signature beyond its current point.
How annoying.
"Is panda concerned?" Though she laughed it off, the increased volume of her weapon handling implied otherwise as she spun both kunai and shuriken faster. More damning still, was the slight crackle in her chakra signature, which indicated a small loss of control.
"Now let's see how you fair against moving targets, pupper!" Suzume-sensei's voice carried over the opened field. A hand sign later, and ten target boards popped into existence. They were swinging at the end of ropes, lowering then raising in set intervals. Made to mimick the movements of shinobi. While their speed wasn't much to gawk at, even I could move faster, it was still far above what a non-chakra user could ever hope to hit.
"No sweat!" They didn't even hesitate before picking up a kunai, and hitting a moving target near it's center point.
'Info: Shippo - Shurikenjutsu.'
Shurikenjutsu: 13, EXP to next LVL: 41/100
Oh..
Guess I shouldn't be surprised. the Inuzuka are known for being tracker and hunter specialists. Both of which require better than average Shinobi and Kunoichi hand eye coordination.
-1 Lifeforce Energy Points
"Now I know you're jealous." She didn't even bother to whisper or look at me when speaking.
Two more thunks struck the moving targets, though this time they were slightly out off center point.
"Maybe, a little." In quick succession, the Inuzuka flew through their allocated kunai and shuriken. While all their attempts hit a target, each point of contact was noticeably farther and farther from the center. Maybe if they weren't so impatient then a perfect score would have been viable. Still, they had yet to miss a target, and it's not like a hostile Shinobi or Kunoichi would give us all day to measure our trajectory. Which made the Inuzuka's accuracy somewhat more impressive.
I guess..
"Excellent reaction, pupper!" Suzume-sensei's praise was accompanied, unsurprisingly, by the two Ninken's yippings. "Alright pup, now for the final portion of your Shurikenjutsu evaluation." Suzume-sensei went through a series of hand seals, after which, multiple trees popped into existence. Their placement covered the field's opposite end; in between them, were both stationary and moving targets. "For this section you may use the remaining kunai and shuriken as you wish to strike all 20 targets."
"Got it!" Grabbing two handfuls of both, they threw the ones in their left hand followed by those in their right. The second set flew at a faster speed, and thus collided with the first in mid air. Their clash resulting in them veering off course, yet, a moment later the sound of metal striking wood reached our ears. By my count, eight boards in total had been hit, but no center hits.
However, that didn't stop the Inuzuka's cute Ninken nor Suzume-sensei from yipping or cheering.
"Well done, pupper! Just twelve more to go!"
Perhaps I should look into getting some sort of companion? They weren't too uncommon, and having some back up would be nice. A pet companion could be incredibly versatile and trained to compliment their Shinobi or Kunoichi partners; furthermore, their loyalties were rarely an issue.
Maybe a cat? or bird?
Of course, the resources required to train and care for them were beyond what most orphans could afford. Still, now that my prior plans were thrown away, I'll need to take more risks and step further outside my comfort zone.
Though, what I'd really want to acquire is a summoning contract or two. Those were far more powerful, but not without their own set of drawbacks. Summoned animals are creatures from different dimensions, and compromised entirely of chakra. With their own cultures and specialized abilities, it wasn't easy to form a working relationship. They existed long before The Third Hokage created a method to forming their contracts.
It is even speculated and generally accepted that Tailed Beasts are beings from other realities that somehow found their way into ours. With their vast amounts of chakra or some unknown seal, keeping them bound to our world.
An old children's story claims that a rabbit goddess descended from the moon and gave birth to these chakra beasts. Another is a tale of The Sage of The Six Paths facing off against a world-ending monster with Ten Tails, and dividing it into the ones that exist today. There have even existed religions and cults throughout history that either worshiped The Tailed Beasts as gods or demons.
The more outlandish ones doing both.
Further musings were interrupted, when I felt a familiar softness take hold of my left hand. Followed by the warm sensation of blood rushing to my face, something that I was now far too accustomed to experiencing. It seemed that somewhere during my observation, I had released control of my chakra signature, and in doing so Tenten must have done the same. Because her chakra was once again reminiscent of a polished blade.
'Info: Unchecked LVL gained.'
+1 LVL: Shurikenjutsu!
+1 LVL: Chakra Sensing!
+5 LVL: Reputation with Tenten!
"Ah, panda, I know you'll do fantastic! Please take your place."
"Yeah, yeah." Tenten's dismissive tone made her sound annoyed, yet, the smile she wore told a different story. That she hadn't let sensei's pet name rile her up, was also note worthy. I could see her muscles relax, and form take on a languid disposition as she walked to the spot between weapon racks. From what I recall, she was always at the top of our Shurikenjutsu training.
'Info: Tenten - Shurikenjutsu.'
Shurikenjutsu: 15, EXP to next LVL: 78/100
Though her talent 'Level' was only four points higher than mine, the gap in our overall 'stats' had proved that even a few of them made a huge difference. They probably had some sort of compounding effect.
Stat + Talent + Technique? or maybe it was multiplicative?
Whatever the formula, she seemed so at ease picking up a kunai, then checking its balance between her left fingers, and closing both eyes. How odd, given that it was a tool meant to kill, but I guess honing a skill did bring everyone some form of peace. I could see the expansion of her torso as she took a deep breath; the way her muscles almost looked like water, while raising her left elbow; and I could almost hear the cracking of a whip or lightning bolt, when she flicked the kunai from her hand.
Even with chakra enhancing my eyes, I could barely keep track of her thrown weapon as it flew towards the left middle-most mark. Yet, when it came to a stop, there was no overlooking her accuracy. She hit the target dead-center with her kunai. The sound of iron hitting wood rang out in the open field, then, she opened her eyes and smiled.
Beautiful.
That was the only way I could describe her and each throw. Whether it was a stationary or moving target, each weapon soon found their red-colored mark.
Although I wasn't rendered completely unaware of my surroundings, everything and everyone that did not involve her Shurikenjutsu evaluation might as well have ceased to exist; such as Suzume-sensei's compliments, our classmates constant chatter, or the breeze that kept ruffling my hair and clothes.
I was enthralled.
So much so, that as she approached me, I could only focus on trying to memorize every detail of her face. The pink blush covering her freckled sun-tanned skin, a beaming smile which made my stomach flutter, and two chestnut-colored eyes that were inches away from mine.
Oh.
-1 Lifeforce Energy Points
"You're up, sunshine," Tenten felt the need to inform me. Her voice doing more to gain my attention, than the sore spot over my heart or the embarrassment I felt.
I can already tell, this crush status is going to be a nuisance.
"I know, panda." Again she simply laughed off my response, and took a seat on one of the benches next to our line, while I walked towards the testing spot.
"Oh sunshine, you seem quite tense! Here, take a seat and I'll help you loosen up those muscles!" Suzume-sensei shouted from behind me, having finished resetting the field and restocking both weapons. Using her delicate -yet firm- hands, she took hold of my shoulders, pressing me down to sit, and began to knead. The racks were wide and big enough that I doubted most of my classmates could see.
Then again, I made the same assumption last time, and Tenten had definitely noticed.
"My, my, pandas sure do play rough, don't they?" She pulled my hair to the side, and traced some of Tenten's 'claw' marks. Her warm breath on my exposed neck, was soon accompanied by a pair of familiar wet lips that felt cool on my skin; which had been made hot under the sun's heat.
"Hmm.."
"Have you consider my offer, Ni-ssho-kun?" Suzume-sensei whispered, and I suppressed a series of pleasurable shudders, as she kissed the fading scars after speaking each syllable of my name. "I could teach you quite a bit, sun-shine.." This time I couldn't stop my body from shuddering.
Honestly, I was somewhat interested. It wasn't a secret, that peace among The FIve Great Hidden Villages wouldn't last much longer; moreover, if The Snake Princess had been honest, then we were already in a cold war. Should it heat up, I'd need every advantage that I could get my hands on.
"A-ah.. wh-what kind of.. training?" The words left me in a stutter as she continued massaging and kissing my upper back. Even her previously-itchy chakra, had taken on a more soothing quality. As if several hands were pushing and pulling at my body in a non-uncomfortable manner.
"There's more to the art of flower pressing, than making pretty-looking books, Ni-ssho-ku," Suzume-sensei's own words and continued treatment of my skin, were making me feel unsteady; even with both legs crossed. "I also know a bit of medical-ninjutsu, and of course." Her warm mouth took hold of a small area on my neck-
-5 Physical Energy Points
-5 Spiritual Energy Points
+10 Chakra Energy Points
-and she bit down.
-5 Lifeforce Energy Points
"The Kunoichi Methods."
Fuck, I might be a masochist, because her 'love bite' had send a rush of pleasure through my entire body that wasn't entirely due to Ninjutsu.
"Well Nisshoku, what is your answer?" she finished.
"Ah, Te-Tenten and I.. are-"
-5 Lifeforce Energy Points
She had cut me off with another bite, and I'm not sure how much more I'd be able to endure.
"Still so very, very, young, and unprepared for the harsh world we live in," she continued whispering, while kneading and kissing my skin. "Plus, you've only just met. There's no need to take things so quickly and seriously."
-5 Lifeforce Energy Points
"Hmm.."
It's unlikely that Suzume-sensei could get away with offering this type of 'agreement' to any clan Shinobi or Kunoichi; yet, given my status as an orphan.. well, she probably did this often. However, was I willing to do what most of my 'kin', who pursued a path in our utilitarian profession, would consider logical and acceptable? To put it bluntly, sell my body in exchange for more power?
"Yes.."
Besides, she probably won't try anything too egregious before I've attained my headband.
Her chakra flared, feeling the same as when she had read that orange book, silky and welcoming; while she slid both arms around me, like a hungry spider or carnivorous flower enticing before trapping a curious honey bee.
Oh..
"Once we've finished the evaluation period, I'll contact The Elder Matron at your orphanage, and inform them of our private lessons, sunshine," Suzume-sensei whispered into my right ear, before treating my skin once more and releasing me. I could sense her stand back up and step a few feet behind me as she picked up the sleeping black Ninken; "now, let's see your Shurikenjutsu!"
"O-okay.." I stood, grabbed a kunai, and ignored the many stares my senses were detecting. Choosing instead to focus on a target 100 meters away, I threw my weapon at the middle-most right post, and towards its one centimeter wide mark.
A thunk followed.
"Perfect!"
Yet, I couldn't bring myself to feel much at all, other than the two sets of eyes that were boring holes into me; one from behind that radiated hunger, and the other to my right exuding anger.
A pair of kunai flew from my hands.
"Woo!"
It wasn't like we had been anything official..
Three more were thrown.
"Well done!"
Far as I could tell, she simply wanted to burn off some stress from our evaluation. I grabbed two kunai in each hand, and they soared soon after.
"Keep it up, sunshine!"
I'm sure as a fellow orphan, she'd understand my decision.
At least that's what I told myself.
'Info: Unchecked LVL gain and loss.'
+1 LVL: Shurikenjutsu!
+10 LVL: Reputation with Suzume-sensei!
-25 LVL: Reputation with Tenten
She hadn't said a word, when I took a seat next to her on the bench; yet, clearly knew about my deal with our instructor.
'Info: Reputation with Tenten.'
Reputation: LVL -4(Disliked Crush) EXP 25/100
"Hmm.." Emotions are such a complex mess, which is why were not supposed to feel anything.
"What a wonderful demonstration of Shurikenjutsu. You have all done so well, and now for the final portion of this evaluation period. The Taijutsu Tournament!" Suzume-sensei was back to shouting and punching the air. "Please follow me to the Academy Arena, where you will be greeted by The Third Hokage and his successor; our future Fourth Hokage!"
All around me, exited chatter from Shinobi and Kunoichi-in-training rapidly turned into nervous murmurings as we began to leave the Academy Field. Glancing left where Tenten walked, I couldn't get an accurate read on her expression nor chakra. She was silent, with both hands inside her pockets. Still, I'm sure it had more to do with who we were about to meet, than the future and current state of our fledgling not-relationship status.
I, on the other hand, didn't bother to mask my own chakra signature. There would be no point in trying, given how fast my heart was beating; and it's not like anyone here could stop Kage-level Shinobi from reading us like open scrolls. As we continued walking, grass turned to stone, then open field into high ceiling; and when entering the arena's darkened hallway, even our near-silent steps echoed as a hush befell our group; while nearing a pair of towering doors.
"Be on your best behavior," Suzume-sensei warned, and her uncharacteristically serious tone did more to put me on edge than our march had done. A bright line of light made my pupils contract as the giant doors began to part. When they were fully opened outwards, I could hear the noise of a small audience. As my eyes fully adjusted, I saw two individuals standing in the arena's center.
The Third Hokage and Professor of Shinobi: Hiruzen Sarutobi, while next to him stood his successor and our future Fourth Hokage.
Uchiha Itachi.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, updates will continue to be sporadic especially with the holiday season.
Constructive criticism welcomed!
