A/N

And again, as per the ages in the previous chapter. Going by ages in relation the gap between Kakashi/ Obito and other characters is not as large as it seems. I am going by the fact that konoha nin became genin at 8 years during the wartime. So Kakashi would have been seven. Kakashi, Obito and Rin would have been chunin when Rin died, so the ages are off, but I will going forward be using the ages outlined at the end of the previous chapter.

Also note this chapter has had the ending changed quite drastically. I have marked where in the time skip for the change.

[Kirigakure]
[Ren]

Since the fall of the Yamiko clan, everything became darker. They were by far the kindest of the clans, and that wasn't by any small margin. With them gone, it was as if the village forgot what kindness was.

Violence grew more prominent, and the hatred on the first caste grew more powerful among the lower castes, especially the third. As time went on Yagura's hold became tighter, and his reign more bloody. People possessing Kekkei Genkai were regularly executed, often publicly, that is if they made it to execution. Most were butchered in their homes by the mobs that hunted them.

Amidst the growing dissent in Kirigakure Ren had begun his tutelage under Yoshiro. Two years passing in the blink of an eye. And in two years much had changed, and not just in the village.

Ren had grown. Rapidly grown. He was quite tall, and though very thin, had a muscular build. His left eye bearing a permanent mark in the form of the kanji Kage (Shadow). That eye had no pupil or iris. The whites of his eye blended into a black and Kage was seen in a deep purple taking up most of his eye.

However the changes were not all physical. With the awakening of the shadows within, Ren gave himself to them. Becoming darker, more closed off. The emotions he once felt becoming more of a distant memory. Now days his mind was fixed on one thing. Justice. Or as Mei kept putting it, revenge.

As a result Ren began closing everyone out, holding ties with only his menter and two frineds in Mei and Zabuza. Focusing his time with his master, honing his skills and abilities. Developing his techniques, and perfecting his mastery of the In'ei-sen and the Shitsumeigan. And in these areas he was making progress.

Having now reached the age of ten years, he could control his dojutsu, utilising it to the fullest extent, often relying solely on his eyes. And the In'ei-sen was becoming more and more natural. He could pass between realms at will, and was on the verge of being able to transfer his physical body into the shadow realm. His kenjutsu was rapidly improving to the point where the only person in his age group able to best him was Zabuza.

But Ren didn't mind, Zabuza was like him. He had lost much to the system, and was training to rise through the ranks of the village to topple the regime.

So as he crossed down the main street of Kirigakure, he took care to avoid other people on the street. Weaving and winding through the crowds careful to never come into contact with anyone. The effect making him virtually invisible. No one was aware he even existed.

So foolish. These people move about as if the world is fine. As is they are free of the sins of this village. What a load of shit. The second someone cries Kekkei Genkai they will raise arms and spill blood.

Continuing to move Ren allowed his mind to dwell on the dark thoughts and musings of his mind. Cursing the people he passed and wishing for a better world, where his mother was still alive, and his fathers ideals lived on.

But that wasn't this world. Those ideals that Eiji had taught his son had died with him. His son had to.

That boy had died with everyone else. The almost teen walking the streets now was completely different. A harbinger of shadows, with no feeling and care who died. The only thing holding him back was his rank.

Student.

"Shedo." Zabuza called using his name for Ren, as he stepped from the doorway of Yoshiro's house.

Shedo. Literally meaning shade. It was a running joke between them. Though originally Zabuza was calling him Kage, which was more fitting, but could also come across disrespectful, or with Yagura in office even treasonous. So Shedo it was.

"Akuma. What is it?"

There it was. Zabuza and Ren. The demon and the shade. Akuma and shedo.

"Yoshiro Sama is looking for you. And besides, we haven't crossed blades in a while. So Sensei and Yoshiro Sama thought it would be good to put us in the ring."

Without waiting Zabuza turned on his heel and strode inside leaving Ren to follow. Traversing the familiar hallway Ren took the first right and descended the flight of stairs through the door. One flight down he existed the stairwell and stepped through a doorway into a large open area. The walls were covered by racks and shelves with and assortment of weapons and armour displayed on them. And there in the centre of the room was the ring. A large elevated circular platform with no barrier at its edge. Surrounding it was a wide ring of metallic conductor that Ren knew could be charged with Raiton energy. He had learned that the hard way. Stay in the ring, or fall onto the electrified ring and let the pain be a reminder of your mistake.

Walking to the edge of the ring, Ren noticed Yoshiro smiling at him as he always did. He truly was a kind man, despite what his appearance and training methods showed.

Ren didn't smile back, and chose not to acknowledge that he had seen either.

"Good. We can begin." A mid height stocky man Ren knew to be Zabuza's sensei spoke from the right of Yoshiro.

"Now Zabuza get in the ring and Kick Yamiko's ass. And you better not lose. I have Ryo on your winning this spar."

Ryo. How stupid was he. Zabuza was good, and had beaten him many times. But to bet on a training spar.

And besides, if Yoshiro bet on him, that means he thought he would win.

Nodding to Zabuza Ren leapt up grasping the thin rail just below the surface of the platform and pulled himself into the ring. Taking stance he held out his arm as Yoshiro threw his blade to him.

Real blades. Yoshiro and Zabuza's sensei believed in training with sharp weapons, as pain and injury taught better that bruises.

Opposite him Zabuza stood ready, his large two handed sword at the ready.

"Begin."

As the cry sounded Zabuza launched himself forward, using the momentum to swing his large sword at the horizontal towards Ren's left. Raising his own in defence he forced his chakra into it and pushed against Zabuza's strike. Upon impact the chakra in Ren's blade blasted out forcing Zabuza back.

Using the momentary release, Ren held the index and middle finger of his hand up, in a one handed seal, whilst still holding his sword.

"Raiton: Shomei no Kage no Jutsu." He whispered.

As he felt the faint sensation of a shiver run down his arm, the blade of his sword developed a bluish glow. As soon as the glow took hold Ren surged forward. Ducking on instinct as Zabuza brought his blade forward in a horizontal slash for his mid section.

Regaining his feet as he passed Zabuza, Ren pivoted on his heel to bring his shorter blade in for a quick slash at Zabuza's unprotected side. However, aware of Ren's plan, Zabuza stepped back allowing the blade to pass by in front of him.

"Aargh."

Following the blade as if a shadow, an arc of lighting streaked from the wake of the blade extending the reach of the attack striking Zabuza's side causing him to drop his sword.

"What was that? When did you... You struggle to do the simplest ninjutsu in combat. When did you?" Zabuza began to stammer out. Caught completely off guard by Ren's attack.

"A shinobi only reveals his abilities when necessary. Yoshiro-Sama has been teaching me one handed seals, and now I can complete them whilst holding the hilt of a blade."

Stabbing his blade into the floor of the ring Ren allowed his jutsu to dissipate.

"Pick up the sword. Let us continue."

Again taking a ready stance Ren allowed Zabuza to recover his blade and also take a stance. After a brief moment of the two boys staring each other down, they again crossed swords, renewing their spar.

Four hours later the two boys were both dismissed from their training for the day. Taking the opportunity they walked down the street, ignoring the general populace, who in turn gave them a wide booth. The two boys giving off an aura that disturbed most people.

Talking as they went they recounted moments of the days spar, pointing out mistakes or flaws in the others techniques, and overall discussing ways for them both to progress.

Overall, Ren had come out on top, the revealing of how adept he really was at ninjutsu through the use of single hand seals, giving him an edge over Zabuza who had previously been unaware how proficient he truly was at using them. However, needless to say Yoshiro hadn't been to pleased with Ren revealing this to Zabuza and his master, but had overlooked it due to Ren and Zabuza's friendship.

Stopping on a corner they both knew, the boys entered through the doors of rough looking pub, frequented by the villages shinobi populace. The hanging wooden plaque over the door read, the beached whale. A name no one knew the meaning behind, but it had always been that way so no one asked.

Taking a seat at the bar the boys waited for the barmaid to come to them. Generally speaking minor's weren't allowed in the bar, and seeing as neither had graduated or at this stage even been enrolled in the academy due to private tutelage, both were still minors. However the owner of the pub was an old war mate of Yoshiro's and so made an exception for the boys.

"The usual?"

"Hai." Ren responded, as Zabuza nodded his head in agreement.

As the barmaid disappeared into the kitchen to place their orders, the boys waited until certain she was out of ear shot. And once checking the other patrons and verifying no one was paying them any heed, Zabuza met Ren's eyes and began.

"You've heard about the academy exams yeah?"

The smile he was wearing before had vanished, now Zabuza wore a serious face, and as Ren nodded in confirmation Zabuza prepared to continue.

"Well, my Sensei was talking about enrolling me full tome on the academy to complete my training. But, we both attended those important lessons over the last couple of years, and we're far ahead of the academy classes in combat training. And the graduation exam is a bloodbath. You follow?"

As Zabuza's face lit up in a dark sort of anticipation, Ren allowed the faintest smile to grace his lips.

Genius as always Zabuza. If we Illegally enter a graduation exams with a bunch of 'trained' academy graduates and walk out the other side...
Its fool proof.

"When is it?" Ren tilted his head, staring Zabuza head on, his face once again serious.

"Two weeks."

[Two weeks Later]

The weeks following their conversation passed in a blur, with both boys honing theirs skills with their respective sensei's, neither of which knew of their plans. Though Ren could tell Yoshiro suspected something was up, not much got passed him.

Then following their separate training they met up to spar against each other, where they helped hone the others defences. Their sparring exposing flaws in their defences whilst also helping perfect their taijutsu, kenjutsu and the few ninjutsu they knew. Especially Ren, it gave him real sparring experience with one handed seals, which despite his growing proficiency with, he had had little experience using in combat situations.

So as the two weeks passed, the boys improved their skills, and plotted their entrance into the exams. Exploiting some of Zabuza's contacts, they learned where the exam was being held, and convinced one of the proctors to sneak them in.

Now with the exams looming before him, Ren was to be found strolling through a training ground on the edge of the village, having just finished training with his In'ei-sen abilities.

Through recent training he had learned that when he crossed into the shadow realm, it was not so much as though he left one realm and entered the other. But rather swapped places. One thing that had immediately been clear two years ago, was that he no longer cast a shadow. Which Yoshiro had realized was because, being the bridge between realms, Ren's shadow was cast into the shadow realm. So when he crossed realms, he simply switched, sending his conscious self into the shadow realm, and replacing it with his shadow.

However, as he learnt in one sparring session, his shadow still held physical form, as the two realms co-existed within each other, they just weren't physically accessible from each other. Except for Ren, who existed across both.

So with that knowledge he had been learning to control the transference so he could use it tactically, and whilst in the shadow real, use the natural shadows in the physical world to hide his shadow, effectively rendering him invisible in the physical world so long as he stayed in the shadows.

And having proven his capability, he was now heading back to the village centre where he was to meet Zabuza.

As he made his way passed the outskirts and into the village proper, others on the street cast him glances and stared at his back. Used to it and not really caring he continued on, ignoring them. Only one thing mattered today. And concerning himself with anything else was a sure way to get killed.

Rounding a corner he crossed the market square, and reaching the street on the other side immediately turned into an alley.

There leaning against the wall was Zabuza, a long wooden push cart beside him, no doubt containing both of their weapons, as not being registered shinobi they couldn't be caught with weapons in public.

With a sharp jerk of his head Zabuza grabbed the handles of the cart and led the way down the alley and out the other end. Following Ren noted their surroundings as they went. Winding further and further in the residential districts, they travelled further and further to the outskirts of the village. And then they were approaching the gate. However, before the shinobi on duty could flag them down, a Jonin came up behind them and waved the guard away. As he took the lead Ren guessed the Jonin was the one who was getting them into the exam.

He lead them along the outskirts of the wall for about twenty minutes, and then parted from it, before walking a few minutes further and halting before a run down looking hut.

"The exam is happening in the basement." Holding a hand up, the Jonin silenced the question he could see forming on Zabuza's lips.

"The elders find it best to hold the exams outside the village where the combat won't alarm the civilians. Take these cards." He pulled two identification cards from his vest and handed them to the boys. "These will get you in, keep your heads low and know one will notice you."

Taking the cards, Zabuza handed one to Ren and led the way to the shack. Stopping the cart at the door he pulled the cover off and retrieved his blade from within. Following suit Ren retrieved his own and slung the sheathed kodachi across his back before following Zabuza to the door.

"Oh and Zabuza."

Turning the boys acknowledged the Jonin.

"You never mention this. I never helped you. From this point on your on your own."

With that he turned on his heel and left, walking around the building presumably to another entrance for the proctors. Following his departure Zabuza led the way as the boys entered the building, before turning down a staircase tucked into the corner. It went down for about four flights before opening into an enormous cavern.

Entering the cavern they made their way along the wall, noting the real graduates in the room all looking towards the centre of the cavern where a raised platform held a selection of Jonin and Chunin. And noting the Jonin climbing the platform from the other side, they realized these were the proctors. Here for the most part to watch and enjoy the show, but also to control the situation if it got out of hand.

If only they knew. Things were about to get way out of hand.

There was a quiet buzz to the air as the graduating academy students talked quietly amongst themselves.

Fools. They talk as though friends, but in five minutes they will be enemys. And most of them don't realize it yet.

The buzz suddenly died, as presumably the lead proctor stepped forward and began:

"Congratulations on your passing the academy exams and training. You are here today to receive your formal appointment to shinobi of Kirigakure. However, before I can allow that to happen, there is one more exam you must complete. As of this moment every person in this room is your enemy. Some of you may be wondering why you were instructed to bring weapons. So let me explain, as of this minute, you are to fight till the death until such a time as I decide the candidates standing are worthy of graduating. Now begin."

The first few seconds were pure chaos. Many of the students didn't know what to do, torn between survival and shock at this final task, whilst others having being tipped off to the exams sprung into action. The former category died first. Their blood spraying out in mist and the scream of metal on metal accompanied the desperate cries of those who fell.

At the commencement of the exam Ren nodded to Zabuza before streaming off in the opposite direction to him as they agreed. They would each fight on opposite ends to avoid each other.

Drawing his kodachi, Ren focused his chakra to his left eye, as he rushed into the fray, cutting down anyone in his path. Dropping two bodies he leaped forward rolling clear of any students and released the chakra he had built up.

"In'ei-sen."

The now familiar chill ran through his body and he lost all clarity of colour. Smirking he watched as the students following froze in confusion as his now shadow form melted into the darkness of the cavern. Taking advantage he cut down the one in the lead before slashing at the second, sensing the turn the remaining students began hacking at random.

"Shit."

Ren ducked and rolled, despite only being a shadow in the physical world they could still kill him. Coming to stand behind the group he continued his rampage, cutting them down from behind, dodging around them causing them to cut each other down.

And so the dance went on. Kill or be killed, slay or be slain. And after ten minutes the Proctors let out a yell calling the exam. And from around the whole cavern a group of fifteen students froze and began to make their way to the podium, the only survivors.

Still a shadow Ren examined them, but was unable to find Zabuza. And then a roar sounded from further into the cavern and Ren saw him, surging forward and cutting down two of the survivors. And in the moments that followed the remaining survivors were forced to band together as Zabuza came at them to kill. Forced to act Ren switched back into the physical plane so Zabuza didn't accidentally kill him and went to his aid. Mean while the Proctors after a brief effort to break up the melee gave up and reverted to enjoying the bloodbath.

It was all over in a matter of minutes. And at the end only Ren and Zabuza still stood. And all the academy graduates lay in varying degrees of dismemberment around the cavern. The floor slick with blood, and the boys coated in it. The smell of iron and sweat hung heavy in the air.

"Names."

The head proctor again stepped up to front of the platform, though realizing how young they were he turned a shade paler. It didn't matter what you'd seen, watching two ten year olds drop a room full of academy graduates, with the ruthless ease of a jonin would send shivers down anyone's spine.

"Zabuza Momochi."

He walked forward presenting himself before kneeling in respect before the elder shinobi, Ren following a step behind.

"Ren Yamiko."

Upon hearing the name of Eiji's son the proctor paled further, despite the clans demise, no one could forget the might of the Yamiko clan in its prime. And the boy, strange stories surfaced about him now and again.

Looking down at his sheet, the proctor let out an irritated sigh, keeping it quiet so the boys wouldn't hear. He noted the boys at the bottom of the list as extras, unconsciously rubbing his head.

This was gonna cause some paperwork. These kids aren't even supposed to be here.

Sighing again he motioned for them to stand.

"Proceed back to the surface. You will be escorted back to the village to complete your graduation."

Holding his hands together into a hand sign the proctor promptly vanished into a swirling mist leaving only empty space behind him. Taking this as leave Zabuza rose, grinning widely at Ren, his face taking a slightly demonic appearance as he basked in the death surrounding them.

"Look's like we did it hey."

"It would seem so."

Ren rose, following Zabuza as he made his way towards the exit.

"I have to admit, I doubted whether they would pass us, with us not actually being graduates."

"What can I say." Zabuza shrugged his shoulders as he led the way.

"They're not gonna pass up on an opportunity to send us on missions after the stunt we just pulled."

Nodding his head in agreement, Ren fell into step beside Zabuza, and they boys continued to the surface in a comfortable silence. As they left the building hiding the exam, they sensed rather than saw the escort file in around them. From there they allowed themselves to be directed into and through the village, any lingering civilians making themselves scarce at the sight of the young boys covered in blood.

Arriving at the Kage building they noticed the escort stop, forming a barrier leaving the only exit as the door to the building. Upon entering they were directed to follow the Mizukage's assistant up a flight of stairs, down a corridor, and eventually into a room before the Mizukage.

Between the desk behind which Yagura sat, a look of intrigue upon his face, and the boys was a table with two Kirigakure Hitai-Ite resting upon it.

[Start of Chapter Update]

[Mei]

In the following weeks the village was abuzz with the news. Two underage students who wiped out an entire graduating class. Especially amongst the genin and lower ranking shinobi this news spread rapidly, as it was becoming common knowledge that they had both been allowed to pass.

When Mei first heard she didn't know what to think. Having had to undergo the test the previous year, she could still smell the blood, feel it running across her fingers. To think two ten year olds had willingly forced themselves into that exam.

But when she found out it was Ren. Mei was horrified. The boy she had grown up with, whom she had feelings for. To see another piece of him drift forever into the dark. To say the least it broke her heart.

In the weeks since she had been trying to confront him, to talk to him. In nothing else to find out why, but most of all. She wanted to find out how far he had already gone, to try and bring him back front his dark path.

However, as she walked through the markets was not the time or place she had anticipated for, but it was the first chance she had found. And she wasn't going to waste it.
Approaching him, she reached out to tap his shoulder.

"What do you need Mei?"

Caught of guard she withdrew her hand. She should have known he would sense her, young as he is, he is still more capable than most the people she knew. But it was still uncanny, try as she might not to, she still saw him as the boy she grew up with. Not the Shinobi he was becoming.

"W, wh, why?" She started, all the emotion suddenly pouring forth, causing her to stutter her words. "Why did you do it, your not even supposed to graduate till next year." Screaming at this point, she was becoming concerned by the stares she was drawing, but she couldn't stop. "There was no point to it, and why kill them all. There was no need, no reaso..."

"There is nothing more for Yoshiro-Sensei to teach me that I can't learn on my own. And being almost two years of promotion, this was the best way to ensure I got through early."

He took a step forward, and despite her relationship to him, she couldn't help the involuntary step backward. Given what he'd done, she wasn't going to be careless.

"By murdering others? No, this isn't the Ren I remember, whats happened to you? Why do you need to do this, and why this way? There are others."

As the last words left her mouth, she could already feel tears beginning to well up behind her eyes. And as the silence stretched, it took all her will to hold them back as she waited for his answer. And after a few moments he gave it to her.

"Just like you murdered your class? Even if I hadn't killed this year, I would have in two years anyway. Whilst I'm sorry you don't agree, I am dissapointed you don't understand."

As his words hit her like a brick, the sincerity of them cutting her more than any strike he could hit her with.

He was dissapointed in her.

Stepping forward again, matching her step for step until her back hit a wall, he continued.

"This village has taken almost everything from me. This village, this system took my family. It took my people and anyone who stood with Tou-San. And the only reason I was spared was because of the In'ei-sen. For that reason I have to move forward, getting stronger. Its the only way to overturn the tables."

His was barely whispering now, his face so close to hers she could feel the breath on her face. See the kanji in his eye clear as day, the dullness of it, as it the light couldn't touch his eye, couldn't reflect.

Struggling to hold to her conviction, there was one more thing she had to say before she fell apart. So as he turned to leave she took her chance.

"But at what cost? How many lives have to be lost? And what of you, will you sell your soul?"

"Whatever it takes. If there is a cost to achieve this goal, I will pay it."

As the exchange happened, Ren hadn't even broken stride, he was now progressing down an alley of the side of the market.

"No, I can't accept that!"

Moving as quick as her boy would allow, Mei rounded the corner after him reaching for his shoulder. But before she could make contact Ren dissapeared. Appearing behind her, she just caught sight of the strike aimed at her collarbone. A Strike to incapacitate her.

Throwing up a guard, she caught his palm in her hands, and twisting it behind his back, she went to force his down onto the knee she threw up. Only to feel her knees buckle. Looking down she realized, Ren had used one of his feet, to sweep the back of her knees, causing them to buckle and freeing himself as she let go to break her collapse.

She was Just able to catch herself as she felt the second foot strike behind her neck, collapsing her to the ground. She could already feel her mind fading, as unconsciousness claimed her following the strike. Before she blacked out she was just able to make out his final words.

"The Ren you remember died with the Yamiko clan. I ask you remember that and accept that I am not that boy anymore. You are my friend Mei, one of few. But that doesn't mean I have to accept your dissaproval."

[A few hours later]

Waking in a familiar bed, Mei tried to clear the fog in her head.

How did I get her. Last I remember I was….

As the memory of her conversation returned the tears she held back then returned in force. Unable to hold them back any longer, she let them free. Breaking down and crying until she could no more, until there were no more tears left to cry.

Maybe he's right. Maybe the Ren I love is gone…..

Stilling her shaking form, Mei allowed her breathing to slow. No, she couldn't think like that.

No matter what has happened to him, I won't give up on him. And maybe by being there for him as he is, I can change his current path.

With new conviction, Mei allowed sleep to again claim her. She needed the rest.

A/N
Again apologies to all those who read the first chapter, I had intended to release this months ago, but i wanted the chapter to be longer and didn't know how to end it. As a result I have kept putting it off. I apologise if this chapter didn't meet the standard of the previous. I am working to improve, but constantly doubt my writing style. For this reason constructive criticism in reviews is much appreciated as it allows me to see where i do well and where i need to improve.

Sorry for the delay, in a perfect world I will release more frequently, but I am so busy all the time, and just cant always find the time to write.

[Edit]
I know this isn't a new chapter, Covid 19 has killed many things including my motivation. But I do have another chapter on the way. And for now I wanted to fix this chapters ending. I never really liked it. So here you go. Also, I modified the description of Shitsumeigan in Chapter 1. Its essentially the same, just worded better.

Until next time .