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Summary:
To save everyone, Marco used his current existence. Never did he imagine that he will be reborn to a new world different from his own. It is a world filled with ninjas and creatures as large as Sea Kings that are made of pure living chakra. What can a pirate like him do to survive especially if he is a freaking bird? Thatch is right; he does look like a chicken. And a certain blue-eyed blonde is thinking of him as her new pet.
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Of Flaming Feathers and Bloodstained Furs
By: Zelga Lim Li
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Part 22
One wouldn't even think of the preliminaries as something significant.
It wasn't even that bloody. Almost.
And the only match that interest him is his favorite human.
The battle of every genin under his 'care' did went well despite the commotion between the Hyūga's match and that the spandex wearing genin took a beating and if wasn't for Naruto's intervention, the boy would have lost a leg.
Too bad Sakura didn't pass as she and the other Konoha kunoichi both fell. And Sasuke's fight did show his adaptability when it comes to using chakra and haki alternatively. And yes, he does have a potential of being a 'Conqueror'.
His Naruto may have freaked out a little during her fight (something about the chakra chains she accidentally procured during her fight with the Inuzuka) so he came over to her side and calmed her (in his Phoenix form of course).
Thus the current debate the so-called 'Konoha Go-Ikenban' are having right now. They are accompanied by the civilian ones - the very same people making his human's life difficult.
They are starting to be the bane of his existence (aside from those annoying marines and his rowdy siblings).
Ugh.
Kakashi already stayed in a considerable distance away but still enough to grab him in case he decided to peck someone's eyeballs.
Inuzuka Tsume, Kiba's mother is eyeing these people in a similar manner with her canine companion Kuromaru (another dog similar to Stefan's gigantuan size) looking at him curiously.
"She must be put down-"
His temper, might have flared a little.
"That's ENOUGH!"
Strangely enough, it wasn't him that voiced out their annoyance.
"I don't understand why you people are making a fuss about this," Tsume growled while her companion looked at these people irritatingly and yawned widely showing sharp teeth. "My son was defeated because the girl is that strong," Eyes glinting interestingly, she turned towards Marco and assessed him. "She got good people beside her, which are more than enough despite the lack of blood relations." With an acknowledging nod she directed at Kakashi, she walks past these people and left with a warning. "She fought fair and square. Now if you dare to contest the match, I am more than happy to fight you on her behalf. Anyone?"
Her intent dangerous enough that scares the civilians. The old coots (particularly Hiruzen's old buddy) did frown in response to the woman's challenge.
The Third Hokage (god bless his kind heart) chuckled and dismissed everyone when they failed to oppose Tsume's challenge. Staying behind with Kakashi standing beside him (Marco ignored Danzō's suspicious look), as the door closes off before he allowed his full transformation.
"I do appreciate your restraint, Marco-kun…" With a tired sigh, the man removed the ashes on his pipe to divert his attention from his scrutinizing gaze. A clear reminder that the boy he once knew now carries a very heavy burden on his shoulders.
The pirate's eye gleamed sinisterly as he admits in a clipped tone, "Believe me, I almost did, yoi." Kakashi did place himself farther away from him just to be safe. Rolling his eyes towards the jōnin, he crosses his arms with a frown. "What's so worrying about Naruto's improvement as a ninja? Are they expecting her to fail?"
It was Kakashi who answered. Something he already guessed from his observation during the entirety of his stay. Marco did control his anger though.
Just a little bit.
"They think of her as someone insignificant. Someone who doesn't deserve anything. Even her existence." The masked shinobi avoided his darkening look but Marco did saw the man clenched his fists.
Trying may be a lesser term.
"Regardless of what they think or do, I won't allow them jeopardize her career." Hiruzen assures them. "So both of you keep your calm and let me handle these people."
With a firm nod, Marco vowed to himself to shield her from them (and perhaps to prepare her from any possible threat) - something the kind village leader already took notice from his condescending look. "Just don't push yourself too hard, kid." The Third laughed quietly as Kakashi sweat dropped from the said notion.
He almost forgot how old the pirate really is.
"Now, about those chains…" Ah, he should have left minutes ago.
"An ability that can only be used by members of the Uzumaki clan…" Hokage-sama replied absentmindedly but didn't elaborated further. Raising one questioning brow towards them and receives no other response, Marco grunted his displeasure.
Lucky small favors indeed, the Hatake noted internally as he took his book out to block Marco-kun's annoyed look.
.
.
Uchiha Sasuke may be a lot of things with his constant need to train.
To get stronger.
His singlemindedness.
Defeating that man and avenge his family.
He also knew that there are others who are far more stronger than him.
Just like Marco…
Despite the said fact, he isn't jealous by nature. But then it makes him wonder if the path he previously chosen was the right one.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Haku asks as she walks alongside him.
Blushing slightly (he isn't supposed to be oblivious to his surroundings, damn it), he shook his head and offered to carry the Yuki's basket.
"Just some things I needed to work out."
Humming with slight interest, the girl places a few strands of hair behind her ear and took a flower from the basket the Uchiha holds in his arms and gave it to him with a small smile on her lips.
"Peony," The girl murmured softly. "It will bring you good luck and fortune." Taking the basket back with quiet thanks, Haku added after a moments thought. "The path you are about to take… is that what you really wanted all along?"
Hesitantly, Sasuke took the flower. His face marred by fear that he immediately hid behind an emotionless facade. She didn't point it out but gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
Of understanding.
"Do not let other people dictate your fate, Sasuke-kun. You are the one walking this path… this road of your own choosing."
"That person took everything from me. And if I-," His Sharingan (that he unknowingly activated) showed anguish upon uttering those words. "Anyone will be a target if I got too close."
With a sigh, the girl gave the Uchiha an unreadable look and walks past him. She does stop a few yards away and faces him slightly.
"I think…" The Yuki noted as she shifted her basket. The hospital where she works part time is currently busy with their usual patients - be they civilian or shinobis alike. "…you'll be surprised to know how many people cares for you, Sasuke." With a polite bow, she bids farewell and reminded him of tonight's affair. Thatch-san organized a celebratory meal for Team 7's success in the exams. Even if Sakura didn't reach the finals, she's still included as the said pirate prepared something for the pinkette as well (for doing an awesome job in keeping everyone united).
Left to his thoughts while staring at the flower in his hands, the Uchiha smiled and shook his head.
He is- he is surrounded by people who just won't leave him alone. Not the worst he can ever imagine per se. And possibly not the most annoying ones… although there are some who are just so persistent.
Perhaps he'll train a little bit now and change his clothes before going there. Or the dobe will nag at him about punctuality and whatnot. If she already woke up, that is.
Right.
.
.
When Naruto opened her eyes, she expected to see the room she shared with Haku.
A place that started to be more than just a house.
It now became a home.
Where she found her waking self - a sewer?
Eew!
And the water itself - it's not smelly or anything which is a relief. It doesn't even felt wet whenever she stepped on it.
The hallway is dark and dingy. She can hear the echoes of her feet as it splashes through everything.
What the hell is this place? And where's everybody?
"Marco?"
"It is only a matter of time…"
That voice. It can't be…
"Once he leaves… you will never see him again…" The unknown continued just like how it taunts her ever since she started hearing its 'voice'.
It was that very first day when the matron of the orphanage closed their doors and never lets her in. Forced to live in the streets and took refuge in the forest which is far more safer than the village itself… She endured for a long time. And then she met him.
"NO!" Clasping both hands on her ears, Naruto clenched her eyes and tried to block everything. "That's not true and you know it!" Gritting her teeth, the blonde breaths shallowly and controls the beating of her heart just like Marco's instructions. "He promised to tell me when it is time to go… and it's not like I'm going to stop him…" Wiping her tears that escaped her eyes, Naruto added in a firm voice. "So if you got nothing else to say, shut the hell off!"
The heavy feeling (the voice's killing intent) started to be bearable and the blonde heard an annoyed huff from the darkest corner of the tunnel. "Hrmph! For someone so incompetent, you sure talk big, human…"
Bristling in frustration, Naruto was about to comment something nasty when she understood its reference. "Wait! Are you-"
Wind started to blow from the darkest part of the tunnel dragging her whole body back.
"Wait! I think I know you…" Pushing forwards, Naruto veered and ignored the burst of current blocking her path. "I need to talk to you. Please…"
As the gust grew stronger, the blonde jinchūriki's body almost lifted from the ground.
"I have nothing to say to you. So begone…"
This is supposed to be her mind (despite its unruly appearance). Why is she being thrown out?
Damn it.
.
As Naruto opened her eyes, she saw herself in the safe confines of her room (finally) - surrounded by her fluffy blanket and Marco's pillow made by his very own feathers. Thatch-san can be heard from the kitchen who is arguing with the Phoenix's unmistakable voice. They aren't really fighting. But judging from the commotion (and what she can guess from the teen's irate tone), the other blonde is about to kick his best friend (again).
As she cannot prod through their 'connection' to let her pirate know that she's awake, she removed her blanket and tried to stand. She heard a bit of movement as Marco rushes towards into her room. Pushing herself in a more comfortable sitting position, she gave her Phoenix a small smile as he took her within his arms.
"You're awake…" He breathes in relief. His worry clearly palpable within his eyes.
Giving him a gentle pat on his back, Naruto disregarded the 'dream' she had and enjoys the comfort of being within Marco's arms.
If she continues to ignore the creature inside, it only delays the inevitable. Knowing that she need to face it sooner than expected- ah.
Well, nobody can really blame her if she got cold feet. She never wished for the said demon to be sealed inside of her.
Blaming the Yondaime for his life choices will be in her next agenda. Something to do once she hits the bucket. And met him.
"Are you hurting, yoi?" Concern lighting her friend's features as he called out for Haku as the pirate continue to fuss over her.
Right. Marco first and then priorities later. She can definitely do that.
.
.
Interlude: Hiruzen
After he received Iruka's report, he closely kept an eye on his adopted granddaughter wondering why Orochimaru took a sudden interest on her.
Perhaps he wants to use her bond against his chosen vessel?
Anko's words rang clear knowing how obsessed he is with the Uchiha's fabled eyes. But something tells him it is more than that.
The girl became Sasuke's anchor against the hatred he forced upon him.
He does hope that Naruto and the pirate's presence will help.
Perhaps it is time to come clean. Something that he should have done years ago.
He shouldn't have allowed the younger generation to shoulder the responsibility, the mistakes the older ones made…
"Hokage-sama?"
Iruka worriedly called as he responded with a warm smile.
The kind chūnin stands dutifully behind him as he waits to be addressed.
"There are some things that I needed to accomplish." With a sigh, Hiruzen removes his hat and eyed the symbol etched into it. "But it seems like my time is about to run out…"
"Sir?"
Laughing amusedly to himself, Sandaime Hokage nodded as if he finally understand what he needs to do.
Things to take care of.
"If the time comes, I want you to do what is right. Just like what the ones before us had done." With a firm set of his eyes, he left Iruka with those words and approaches the participants to give them a few congratulatory remarks before explaining the real purpose of the Chūnin Exams.
He just hope that what he is about to do is more than enough.
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Author's note:
Right. Did not include the preliminaries. So yeah. Sorry?
Just like in canon, the same people er ninjas passed the preliminaries (much to Marco's worried scowl). I just hope the 'somewhat' insert is enough.
And because of that, thanks so much for reading. And liking. And reviewing (WhiteyWolf26 and SnarkBait24).
Cheers!
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