It was a Tuesday, the third day of our mission's expected time when we met our destination. A small farming town stood before us as people bustled around the streets. It was filled with light chats and smiles shared with friends. Peaceful was one of the only words to describe it. Walking near the gates Yakata went ahead with the group and told us to go the hotel. Jotting down a note he gave us the address and merged with the crowd along with the farmers. Sighing at his lack of care I took initiative and snatched the note from a squinting Ryuuji next to me. Giving me a mock glare he went and talked to Kisame while I thought. Seeing the address I went to a nearby villager asking for the direction.
"Ahhhh, that little hotel. Nice place, it really is. Very comfortable. It should be near the other side of town. At the edge you'll come to a barber shop and then you take a left. After that you go until you see the book shop, first one. Turn left again and you'll find it if you keep walking." An elderly old woman stood in front of me, her white hair pulled into a sloppy bun. Nodding to her I walked back to the group, my body twisting at angles trying to reach them through the mini crowd by the gate.
"Guys... Guys... GUYS!" My voice got louder and louder as I got closer to the duo, seemingly unheard by them. Shouting got their attention as they jumped. Grumbling I gave them a 'follow me' sign. Making my way through the town (hehehehe, Making my way downtown, walking fast, faces pass and I'm home bound~) I smelt chicken and other various meats mixed with spices and herbs. It was one of the main features of the town along with the mainly wood structure. It had taken us a good 30 minutes of walking, talking, shouting and getting lost before we made it to the three story building. The walls were that of a log cabin with green curtains on the inside obscuring the vision through the glass windows. It had a small stone chimney on the top the poured out a dark grey gas that smelled vile, it drowned out the smell of food. Shivering in disgust I opened the door and was met with a small room. To my left was a desk, a lamp on the side that was covered in dust. Next to that was a small pile of pens with a book to it's right. Behind the counter was a young lady fixing her glasses with a sigh, and not a content one.
The other side was a waiting room with a small green rug. Unlike the emerald colour used to describe most eyes it was more of a mint. One the edges were two parallel sofas. In the middle sat a wood table with a glass middle. On top of that was a vase of flowers, specifically Camellia flowers. The unscented flowers. They were one of my favorites, taking a large amount of the space in my flower bed.
"Hello miss, I was wondering if you have any reservations under the name Haruka or Yakata?" Turning to left I met the lady who froze at the words momentarily. With a smile she went and took a pen while opening the book. Scanning through it she bit the end of the pen. It was a bad habit I had with my brushes, especially while painting.
"Sorry sir, we don't. We do however have a few rooms open. 4 singles rooms, 6 double rooms and 2 triple rooms." I felt my brow twitch in frustration. Damn sensei. Shaking my head I took my wallet out. Thank god for me saving my money, working a part time job was worth it. It had been hell at the market but still worth it.
"How much is a triple room miss?" Fishing out a few notes I heard her price and sighed in relief. It was so cheap, especially for the quality of the hotel. Giving her the money I took the keys after hearing a few ground rules. Getting the slightly rusted keys hastily I went to Kisame and Ryuuji.
"You guys, if Yakata sensei comes asking why we didn't get him a room just say they didn't have 4 connect rooms, ok?" The first thing I said to them caused them get confused looks. Glancing at each others they nodded hesitantly. Plastering a fake smile on I grabbed their hands and made my way to the room.
"So you're telling me you're gran, who is 72, kicked a genin out of her house with a earth style jutsu... can we trade?" Ryuuji and I were laying on the bed while Kisame showered, the steam from the bathroom coming into the room despite the bathroom being in the room two doors down to ours. Right now we were in Ryuuji's room and next was mine and lastly Kisame, who had the shower. We were busy chatting about things that had happened before. It was fun to hear about Ryuuji's brother falling into a pool of sludge during a mission. I even chuckled genuinely a few times, forgetting about the first day. Nightmares still plagued me and Kisame was still a little worried despite me telling him not to.
"No, she's mine. She also makes really good soup." Ryuuji's laugh was loud and a little obnoxious but it was refreshing. Hearing the shower turn off I got ready. Kisame said we could just go his room when the shower turned off. Opening the door to my room I padded across the carpet with a towel in my one hand and clothes in the other. Opening the door to Kisame's room I dropped them. In front of me was a shirtless Kisame holding a plain white t shirt. Smiling to me he lifted it up and put it on, hiding the blue chest underneath. Smiling back I picked up my stuff and went to the bathroom quickly. Blushing I felt the blood go to my face. This had happened a few times in the last three days and I didn't know why. I had also realized my... area... got bigger too. Shaking my head I got undressed and into the shower
Rubbing the back of my neck I made my way to leave the bathroom with my clothes on. I was met with a chest. A broad, tall chest. Looking up slowly I saw Yakata.
"O-Oh hey there Yakata-sensei." Trying not to stutter I let my words tumble out. He wasn't amused but still had a grin on his face, a sickly sweet one.
"Heiwa, why are there only three beds? If I'm correct there are 4 of us here." The voice wasn't even close to normal, it was dripping in a honey like venom.
"Well they don't have any conjoined rooms with 4 beds. Sorry sensei" Trying to not seem scared I stood tall. Taking my answer he stood up from his hunched posture and turned
"Okay, that's fine. But I'm taking your bed. You can share with somebody. Don't think it's that I hold a grudge against you, it's just because you chose the rooms." Sulking I deflated. I had spent the last two nights outside and I had been looking forwards to a bed, on my own. Sighing I walked back to my old room and collected my stuff. Going through the next door I met Ryuuji and Kisame talking and looking at me as I slammed the door.
"One of you is sharing your goddamn beds or I will beat you with them. Sensei took my bed." My voice was laced with hidden anger. I was weaker than them but they knew I would hang them from the ceiling in their sleep. I was the sneaky type and I would do it. Kisame nodded and said he would.
"Thanks Kisame. And I'm doing it now. I am touching your tooth." Deciding I needed something to make me happy I went and dropped my bags onto the carpet with a thump so I could touch the white pearls. When I was about to reach them Kisame jumped back with a smirk
"Going to have to catch me first." Rolling my eyes I chased him around the small room with a laughing Ryuuji in the background. His hair had dried completely now, unlike when we were talking before Kisame came out. It was slightly curly and the faint trace of highlights were more visible.
"GET HIS ASS HEI!" Hearing the screams I jumped and landed on Kisame's back, our bodies tumbling onto the ground with a hollow thud. We then heared a shut up coming from next door and stopped in fear of our sensei. Using the time I reached and poked my finger on the teeth. Feeling it pierce my skin with minimal effort I jumped back a bit.
"Damn, your teeth are sharp" I just heard a chuckle as I fell to the ground courtesy of Kisame getting up.
"Well I'm going to bed guys, you can go and do whatever in Kisame's room cause you are not staying here" Ryuuji said softer than usual as he got into bed, his eyes tired. Nodding we both got our stuff in the room and decided we should go to the room through the hall rather than through my previous room. Once we reached it Kisame jumped onto the bed like he was belly flopping. Sighing I put my stuff in an empty corner. Taking my roll I awkwardly got on the bed and put it over me.
"Why don't you just get under the blanket? It's less struggle" Hearing Kisame's voice I turned to face him as I speak
"It's your bed so you should get the blanket." Shrugging I turned back to my side. It wasn't completely dark yet but moonlight was filtering through the curtains. Feeling the bed shift I looked to see Kisame had turned to his side. Closing my eyes I inwardly sighed. I just didn't want to be under the blanket, mainly because of my thoughts recently.
I woke up with a yawn, my mouth dry and a little sore. Looking around me I saw I was under the blanket and Kisame was too. Idiot. Taking the opportunity to get up I tried sitting up only to realize something was poking my back faintly. Looking back I saw Kisame had a small tent in his pants. Blushing, I made my way out the bed stealthily so I didn't wake him. Sighing in relief when I got out I opened the curtains. Looking out the window I saw the sun was just about to rise.
"What are you sighing about" Hearing a voice I screamed while turning to the direction of the voice. Kisame was sitting up in the bed, stretching widely.
"Oh nothing" I quickly waved my hands in a dismissive manner while getting my stuff.
"Okay, I'm just going to shower. You can after" After he got up and entered the small room I sighed again. That was close. I blushed again when I remembered why I didn't want him to know. Shaking my head I went and got my stuff so I could get in the bathroom fast. It took 3 minutes for Kisame to get out, a pretty quick shower if I say so. Jumping hastily into the room I avoided Kisame.
Placing my clothes down I stripped and got in the shower, my second shower in the last few hours. It was a privilege at this point, considering I had been sleeping outside for the last 2 days. The water pressure was high, steam rising from the old tiles stuck to the floor loosely. Waiting for the water to get warm I stepped in a relished the feeling of the liquid streaming down my body. It was a welcome feeling. Taking the soap I started washing but I stopped when I heard a door open.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!" Shouting I looked and saw Kisame walking leisurely into the room. Covering my body parts with my hands in shock
"I'm getting some stuff. I thought it would be fine since we're both guys." Shrugging, he walked out with a pair of pants. I was still frozen in place for a few moments after he closed the door. The nerve. Grumbling, I quickly finished up and got dressed. Walking out the room I grabbed my stuff and decided to finish my painting before we left. The brush slid across the paper smoothly but it was leaving an unwanted texture so I had to go over the lines twice.
"Hey, whatcha doing?" Hearing a voice I looked up while pulling my scroll to my body. Kisame was hovering over me, his hand occupied with an apple.
"Nothing" Giving him a one word answer I waited for him to leave or speak again. But all that came was silence as he waited above me.
"Well this is awkward" Breaking the silence my voice was like a knife. Nodding Kisame took a seat next to me and looked over.
"Am I not allowed to see?" Shaking my head Kisame shuffled away a bit to give me space to paint so he couldn't see. Giving him a thumbs up I continued. His face was in black and white here, the face angled in a 3/4 view. If he saw he'd probably think I was obsessing over him. Chuckling to myself I imagined me stalking Kisame. Giving me a confused look I waved him off.
"Hey guys, I'm here to use the shower. Bye" Hearing a voice I looked up to see Ryuuji already entering the bathroom. That boy was weird. Looking to Kisame he gave me a shrug. Looking at the clock on the wall above the door I saw it was 7:56. We had 14 minutes until we had to leave. I could finish the painting by then if I really wanted to. I did.
Hurriedly I got out more ink so I could finish the painting in time.
I sighed as the sun burned my skin slowly. Here it was a lot hotter than Kiri, despite still being in Water country. We had left over an hour ago and bugs had been swarming us.
"Everybody we're going to stop here. I've been meaning to get some training in and we can reach Kiri in two days easily now that we don't have to walk at civilian pace. I think it's important that we observe the fights and see how we all fight better" We all stopped when Yakata turned to speak. His body left a shadow on the ground in front of him, a dramatic flair he probably did on accident.
"So we're going to be doing spars, first 1v1s then 3v1 on me. So I'm going to choose then first match up... and that'll be Ryuuji and Heiwa. There is no limit to how you fight, just no killing. No going into the tree area outside here." I looked around to observe the terrain properly. It was a rough rectangle that was quite large because of it being a trail. Nodding to sensei we got into position. Kisame and Yakata were waiting by the trees while me and Ryuuji got into a fighting position. It was unexpected the training but that was probably good, so we knew that we could be fighting at anytime.
"You can start... NOW!" Hearing that word I pulled my kusarigama out of my scroll and jumped back near the pine trees. Ryuuji had his throwing knives out, glistening in the sunlight. We just stood like that for a few moments until Ryuuji threw a few of his knives before going threw some hand signs.
"Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu!" Hearing those words I saw two clones appear from thin air. He really was a ninjutsu specialist. I saw the strain on his face from making them and realized he would be draining a lot of his chakra with that. Jumping onto the tree I clung to it and jumped off into the sky. Twirling the weapon in my hands I cut through one of the clones shoulders down to their waist.
Spinning as I landed I threw my weapon in the air as my hands flew into seals. Ryuuji pulled out more knives as the previous ones were stuck in the wood behind me.
"Dokugiri!" My mouth was filled with poison but it was soon released as I grabbed the kusarigama falling down. Jumping back onto the tree I cut my foot on the knives but still jumped forward and behind a coughing Ryuuji. Pulling the kusarigama I wrapped it around the clone's waist and I pulled it back, the entire waist ripping open. I quickly got a flash in my mind of the ninja I killed. His neck was being cut in the same manner by me, my mouth emptying out cackles. Freezing, I felt a knife to my neck as Ryuuji appeared behind me
"I win." The voice behind me was quiet but filled with cockiness. Unfreezing I smirked and used my strongest jutsu.
"Raiton: Kusari"* My whole body was filled with lightning as I braced myself. It was a technique our clan loved to use for survival as it could free you from being held by something. The lightning tried to find a place to grab onto, something to conduct. Then Ryuuji came into the picture. I felt the lightning strike him and me as a side effect. I was used to the feeling but he was not. Letting out a squeak he jumped back, his chest having small marks from the jutsu, not permanent though. It was taxing but useful.
My reserves were halved, now just under because of the poison jutsu I used. Taking his momentary shock to use I used my kusarigama to wrap his hands together and to pull him face first into the ground. Unwrapping him I took the blade and held it to his back, trying not to get another flash. They had been happening since the beginning of yesterday.
"I think I win" My voice was strong yet it was a little weak because of the lack of chakra. I panted lightly from both the heat and my lack of stamina. I looked up to see Kisame clapping. Smiling at him I walked to the tree to get a small congratualtions from Yakata-sensei. I grinned geniunely at being praised by him. Next on was Kisame and Ryuuji. Leaning against a tree I moved my hands through my hair, the heat beating down on me making sweat drop down my face like a waterfall. With a single word I saw them dashing in an instance, the opposite of the previous battle. They knew they could rely on their brute strength and techniques here, not against me. They knew I would find a way to turn their weapons against them if they weren't careful. It really warmed my heart.
I saw flashes and sparks emerge from the clashing blades in front of me, knife and sword held together like fingers intertwined. Dashing backwards they were jumping around like blurs. You could hear the clashes far away, birds lying on the trees surrounding us flying into the sky in fear. You could see Kisame sweating as he grinned with his sharp teeth. Ryuuji just had a cocky smirk as sweat dripped off his chin. I saw Ryuuji rip off his kimono leaving him in a short black top and long black pants. Seeing that the battle would be long if he didn't, Ryuuji ripped out a scroll and unsealed a pendant. Holding it to his hand he went through hand seals.
"Sensatsu Suishō!" The words flew out his mouth as his face contorted in strain. I widened my eyes in shock when I felt his chakra drain almost completely empty as he took some from the pendant. It was a B-Rank technique from what I could gather but it was extremely taxing, and even more so considering there was no water nearby. Looking I saw Kisame freeze in shock as needles of water appeared all around him. They flew at almost unreadable speeds inward to the fish boy. They pierced his flesh and fell to the ground in a puddle. Now covered in scratches and cuts Kisame grunted as he jumped back and worked through hand signs.
"Suiton: Hōmatsu Rappa" Kisame pulled in the water on the ground with his mouth, chakra coating them and mixing inside to give him control. Gurgling it in his stomach he spat it out again at high speeds to hit Ryuuji as tried to jump away from his spot on the grassy terrain. Taking the hit Ryuuji fell to the ground as he skidded and slid backwards.
"I'm okay" A small voice broke the silence that had enveloped us. Then we felt it pull us in again. Nothing was heard except for the small swooshing from the wind hitting the trees and the sound of birds. Then is all erupted in a friendly chaos. I ran up and hit Kisame with a disapproving look. Ryuuji was being helped by sensei as he gave us a peace sign with his usual cocky smirk.
"What were you thinking!? Hitting him with that jutsu while he could barely stand you idiot!" Giving me a shrug Kisame walked back to the tree while I gaped at his lack of consideration. Going to Ryuuji as he leaned against an old tree I asked him if he was okay.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Just a little low on chakra and all that" Waving me off Ryuuji smiled, not cocky but a normal smile. Sighing I took out a chakra pill and gave it too him.
"You're lucky I keep a few extra chakra pills on me. Now stand still so I can heal your cuts." I may not know a lot of medical ninjutsu, or one above C-Rank, but I knew some. Taking a moment to concentrate I pulled the chakra to my hands while Ryuuji swallowed the pill. Moving the chakra enveloped hands to his body I took a small evaluation of his insides to see if he had any internal damage. Being content he only had bruised ribs and a few scrapes I got to work. After a small period of 5 minutes I stood back to admire my work. He was okay.
"Next on we have Heiwa and Kisame" Hearing those words I turned and cracked my knuckles as my body turned to walk to where I was before. Taking a stance we both starred at each other while we waited for the single word to tell us to start.
"GO!" The words echoed as we stood still for a few more moments until it erupted into a variation of noises. The clanging of my kusarigama hitting it's own chain. Kisame whipping out his odachi while he dashed, the grass making small patting noises with our feet glided across. Kisame stood in front of me as he slashed downwards to my waist from my opposite shoulder. Using the second he wasted to get to me I prepared to grab his sword, which I did with a bit of effort. Using all my strength I twisted it so he either had to let go or come tumbling onto his back in a drill like fashion. Deciding to let go he jumped back and pulled out a few kunai as I grabbed his sword.
Throwing the odachi into the air I wrapped my kusarigama around it so it was like a chain and sword I swung it towards Kisame. Everything flashed as I saw Kisame mowing down an enemy with a diagonal slash, one almost exactly the same as the one I was doing. The only difference was the distance, he was close as blood splattered against him, his chest red and foul smelling. Flinching the blade missed him. Getting confused Kisame jumped back further just in case. Taking a few shuriken out he threw them before going back to the kunai he had. Dodging the bladed projectiles I took a few scratches. Throwing the bladed chain into the air like the last fight I was in I flew towards Kisame as the fastest speed I could.
"Kūraidan!" Remembering a taijutsu technique my dad used I decided to change it a bit so I could use it this spar safely. Punching him in the stomach a twice I followed it with a uppercut. He flew into the air a little bit, only because of my lack of strength. Jumping above him with all my strength I wrapped him with the weapon flying into my hands and I tossed him into the ground. Landing to his side instead of on his stomach I unwrapped him from it and held the scythe blade to his neck. Flashed went through my head, his neck, his face. I pulled back with fear as Kisame used the opportunity to slam me into the ground with a wheeze because of the force of my last blow.
"I win." Hearing those words I blinked back into reality and saw Kisame grinning at me with his eyes closed slightly. Sighing with a small laugh I let him help me up.
"Good job everybody, just Kisame, try not to use jutsu like the one in Ryuuji's fight. Heiwa, try not to freeze sometimes, I understand you might have problems with the man you killed but you still need to get over it soon. Ryuuji, try not to waste your chakra. You're lucky Heiwa had pills on him. Now get ready, you're sparring against me this time. You can go as far out as you want this round. You have 5 minutes to prepare. Now go" Hearing those words we joined together to discuss.
"Guys, we're not going to beat him alone, so we have to stay together." As soon as we got to a secluded place Ryuuji spoke and it surprised me to hear his input. He was right. Nodding me and Kisame listened to see if he had any plans.
"Well guys, do you have any plans or something" Deadpanning both me and Kisame looked at each other. We silently agreed to let me speak first.
"I was trying to evaluate you guys during the fights and I did. I have a few strategies in mind..."
"Times up guys. We're starting in 3... 2... 1... GO!" Hearing that time was up we got into a formation we agreed upon. Hearing the countdown we looked at each other and nodded, the signal. When the word go was shouted out we jumped into action.
"Ryuuji, throwing knives!" My voice was loud as I shouted out his name, Ryuuji giving me a nod as he took out his throwing knives. Going through hand signs I threw out my jutsu.
"Raiton: Kusari!" Kusari was a very diverse jutsu, being able to go on weapons, people and other objects. Electrifying the projectiles made for a flurry of mini lightning bolts, all of us using the distraction to get into place for our proper strategy. Despite only having 5 minutes we had made a few good ideas. Sensei easily dodges the flying bolts but ran into our next one.
"Ryuuji, taijutsu" Kisame took initiative this time and jumped in with Ryuuji as they began an onslaught of fists and feet. When Kisame landed the first proper hit he followed it up with a trip to get Yakata to fall, which he did. We knew he would hold back and decided we would use that to our advantage. His body was straight out as it landed on the ground. Going low, Ryuuji kicked sensei up when he was about to connect. Jumping into the air, Kisame kicked down to get sensei flying into the ground with more force. They both ran back to me after so they didn't get hit. Jumping onto his legs, Yakata went through hand signs.
"Raiton: Genkotsu!" We all froze as we heard the words to Yakata's famous jutsu, one he created. Raiton: Genkotsu was a Lightning style: Fist, covering his hands lightning chakra. It stayed like this as he punched enemies unless he directs it into them, electrocuting them more than with a normal punch. We all jumped in different directions as soon as Yakata started coming towards us. We had made a plan that if we got separated we would meet by a specific tree, a willow tree near the middle. It was one of the trees that was different to regular pine ones.
When I was in a tree, panting from the quick launch, I tried to sense a chakra signature to see if any was near. The only ones I could feel were Kisame's and Ryuuji's, not that far away. Letting out a breath I went and pulled out some ninja wire and got to work to prepare our final attack. We had made a designated area to trap, a little bit away. After 2 minutes of walking I came to the area and got to work.
Looking around I made sure sensei didn't see the me placing the wire and the storage seal I had kept in my pocket. Happy with my work I jumped so I could make my way to the tree. Once my body landed on the branch, almost toppling over, I saw both Ryuuji and Kisame panting while leaning against the bark, their bodies covered in cuts. Not deep but enough to draw blood.
"You guys are messed up, come here. I'll heal them if I can" They both nodded as I got to work, trying to concentrate on both the marks and sensei. It took me a good 7 or so minutes but they were in better shape.
"I've done my part of the trap, now guys can go. I'll distract sensei if I can find him." Looking to them both I told them what I had done. Giving me a nod they both made their way down there. Breaking into a sprint I got to the middle of the field and saw sensei looking around with a smirk. Turning he saw me and got into a fighting stance. Getting into my own I faced him. We stood still for awhile until he disappeared and I felt a large force on my back. Hurling across the ground I tumbled and skid across the ground. Something definitely broke.
Struggling to get up I got kicked in the ribs this time, my whole body lurching as my breaths came out in pants and wheezes. Looking up I saw an electrified fist coming down. Rolling on the ground I felt pain spike, the rocks on the ground making me flinch. Getting up as fast as I could I dodged a blow that would of hit my shoulder. He didn't stop though, fists flying along with his legs to confuse me. I was barely dodging the blows so I couldn't return any. It had been a bad idea to seal my kusarigama. I was tiring, my form more sloppy as some hits were slamming into me.
I rolled under one of the hits and through sensei's legs. Taking the chance I ran with a small limp, my ribs aching. I heard sensei chuckle sadistically. Shivering, I made my way to the area. Kisame and Ryuuji were still busy placing traps in the shadowed area, a canopy of trees around us.
"Sensei's on his way, you have to hurry up" Nodding to me they sped up their work and finished in 2 minutes or so. Hearing crunching leaves and twigs we looked behind us to see him. Yakata standing with his hands electrified. Kisame jumped in front of me and pulled out his odachi along with Ryuuji and his knives. Seeing that this would be the final stand I pulled out my kusarigama and closed my eyes. I breathed in and released it. Opening my eyes I took a stance behind them. Then all hell broke out. Kisame was charging only to be redirected face first into the ground. Using the momentum from his last attack Yakata slid his body to Ryuuji and flipped him over his shoulder while going to his haunches, spinning in a circle. Facing me again I flung my chain at him with a clang only to have it spun around his body and channeled back to me. Trying to go under it proved futile as sensei punched me up into it. Flying to the ground with a chain around me I tumbled a bit.
"You worked as a team but you still aren't strong enough. Tsk tsk tsk." Stopping his jutsu Yakata walked around us and was about to declare the match over when Ryuuji got up and pulled on a wire in his hand.
"Gotcha sensei" Hearing those words he turned, only to be met with a cloud of poison from the seal. Being surrounded he was soon pulled up into a net of ninja wire, sharpened so that if he tried escaping he would be cut open.
"Well... that was unexpected" Slowly getting up we faced out tied up sensei.
"You have so much faith in us" My voice broke through the silence, sarcasm dripping.
From now on I'm only going to give you the definition of non canon jutsu and variations of canon jutsu
Raiton: Kusari is Lighting style: Chain.
I also know that he strategy thing is a little unbelievable but considering Heiwa's intelligence he had probably planned something like this a bit ago.
Thank you for reading and please review and favorite if you are enjoying. I don't like asking but most people won't unless I ask so yeah.
Bye and have a good day