A/N
BIT AHEAD OF SCHEDULE THIS TIME WANTED TO GET ONE MORE CHAPTER OUT SINCE MY INTERNSHIP ENDED. CLASSES STARTING UP AGAIN SOON SO I MAY SLOW A TAD. DID NOT HIT EVERYTHING I WANTED TO BUT I FIGURED AN EARLY SLIGHTLY SMALLER 12K UPDATE WOULD BE BETTER THAN A 20-24 K BEHEMOTH CHAPTER.
Still some issue needing correction, but they are all minor.
The door swung open as Inoichi walked through; the office of the third Hokage was exactly like he had expected Sasuke noted with an expression that could have been described as bored or disinterested
It was a large half circular room with several massive windows that had a rather stunning view of the village down below, the floors and walls were made of smooth cut stone and the room was dominated by a massive wooden desk that had the konohagakure symbol emblazoned upon it. Behind the desk sat the aging God of Shinobi in a high-backed chair all but his upper torso obscured by the mass of paperwork and other odds and ends that covered the desks surface.
"Hokage-sama Uchiha Sasuke is here to see you." Inoichi announced as they closed the door behind them.
Hiruzen looked up from his desk his expression brightening slightly. He was seated comfortably with his old pipe in his mouth and did not seem surprised or annoyed by the interruption. In fact he appeared very pleased, from what sasuke could gather, though this may simply have been because Inoichi had interrupted his paperwork.
"Ah yes," Hiruzen said leaning back in his seat "Sasuke-san you may approach. I have been expecting you." He urged gesturing in front of his desk in a casual gesture.
Sasuke saw Inoichi lean back against the offices wall out of the corner of his eye as he stepped forward.
Bowing respectfully before the aging tyrant Sasuke decided to approach this with a little tact. Throwing a tantrum and demanding answers would do him no good here he knew that. Though his clan may be dead the suspicion surrounding them was apparently alive and well. So showing deference and respect, would likely serve him well.
'Inspect'
NAME SARUTOBI HIRUZEN
AGE 63.
CHARACTER: GENIAL- YOU ARE A POLITE AND WELL-SPOKEN INDIVIDUAL ALWAYS EAGER TO SPEAK WITH THOSE SERVING UNDER YOU. A SEEMINGLY KINDER FIGURE THAN MOST DICTATORS. WHENEVER YOU FORGE A NEW BOND OR MAKE ONE STRONGER TAKE A BEAT.
DIRGE: REGRETFUL- YOUR HEART HAS LED YOU TO MAKE MANY MISTAKES OVER THE YEARS, WHENEVER YOU RIGHT A WRONG THAT CAME ABOUT BY YOUR OWN ACTION OR INACTION TAKE A BEAT.
CLAN- SARUTOBI
BLOODLINE- FIRE MONKEY CLAN SUMMONER
EXPERIENCE POINTS 0
BEATS 0/5
SIZE- 5 ROUGHLY IN THE FIVE FOOT RANGE.
HEALTH LEVEL- 40, 35 FROM STAMINA, 5 FROM SIZE.
CHAKRA CAPACITY- 254000 CP.
SPEED- 62 YPS RUN SPEED 5 FROM SIZE, 32 FROM DEX, 30 FROM STR. X30 MAX WHEN USING CHAKRA BOOST.
DEFENSE RATING- 41 +32 IF USING CHAKRA SPEED BOOST.
ARMOR RATING- 0A 0A 0B.
SOAK- 70B.
INITIATIVE MODIFIER- 38
GENJUTSU RESISTANCE- 40
GENJUTSU BONUS- 9
DESCRIPTION- SARUTOBI HIRUZEN WAS ONCE UPON A TIME HAILED AS THE GOD OF SHINOBI AS HE WAS ONCE IN HIS PRIME AN SS CLASS THREAT. AGE HAS BEGUN TO DULL HIM SLIGHTLY BUT HE IS STILL A VERY CAPABLE SHINOBI. HE IS STILL KNOWN COMMONLY AS THE PROFESSOR AN ASTOUNDINGLY TALENTED SHINOBI WHO KNOWS EVERY NON CLAN BASED JUTSU IN KONOHAGAKURE. HE WAS APPOINTED HOKAGE BY THE NIDAIME HIMSELF AND HAS SERVED IN THIS CAPACITY FOR FORTY YEARS.
REPUTATION- 17/100 = INDIFFERENT. +17 FROM PAST EXPERIENCES (SPYING) +20 FROM PRESENCE, +10 FROM HASHIRAMA'S TEACHINGS ABOUT THE UCHIHA. -30 FROM BEING A FOLLOWER OF THE SECOND HOKAGE WHO ADVOCATED FOR EXTREME CAUTION WHEN DEALING WITH THOSE OF YOUR BLOOD. THIS SUSPICION CANNOT BE UNDONE AS IT HAS SAT WITHIN HIM FOR DECADES AS A RESULT OF THIS SUSPICION ALL SOCIAL ROLLS HAVE THEIR DIFFICULTY INCREASED BY 2 BEFORE POSITIVE MODIFIERS ARE ADDED.
MENTAL ATTRIBUTES
INTELLIGENCE- 4/5
WITS- 4/5
RESOLVE- 35/50
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
STRENGTH-31/50
DEXTERITY- 33/50
STAMINA- 35/50
SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES
PRESENCE- 4/5
MANIPULATION- 4/5
COMPOSURE- 5/5
SKILLS
MENTAL SKILLS
ACADEMICS- 4/10
SEALING- 4/10
CRAFTING- 0/10
INVESTIGATION 7/10
MEDICAL- 0/10
OCCULT- 5/10
POLITICS- 7/10
CHAKRA CONTROL- 8/10
PHYSICAL SKILLS
ATHLETICS- 8/10
BRAWL- 8/10
MARTIAL ARTS- 8/10
MECHANICA- 2/10
SLEIGHT OF HAND- 8/10
STEALTH- 7/10
SURVIVAL- 8/10
WEAPONRY- 10/10
SOCIAL SKILLS
ANIMAL KEN- 3/10
EMPATHY- 7/10
EXPRESSION- 6/10
INTIMIDATION- 6/10
PERSUASION- 7/10
SOCIALIZE- 7/10
STREETWISE- 2/10
SUBTERFUGE- 7/10
Sasuke nearly balked even in his age the third Hokage was powerful. He was so far out of his league it was nearly laughable. Those points about the Nidaime worried him slightly but he was already in this deep nothing left but to push on.
"Hokage-sama," Sasuke started now standing at attention "I thank you for taking the time out of your day to meet with me,I understand you want to discuss the burial of my clan?"
"Yes indeed, among other things." Hiruzen nodded slowly looking up at Sasuke again after a few moments of silence "You must forgive us if we seem slow moving; we have much work to get done today and there are still quite a number of matters requiring my attention. Please sit." He motioned to one of the chairs in front of his desk.
Sasuke took the offered seat and waited patiently for the old man to continue speaking.
"As you doubtlessly know our village has recently suffered another great loss. The loss of the Uchiha clan will hurt Konoha deeply, please understand Sasuke-san that you are not alone in your grief." Hiruzen paused giving Sasuke a chance to say something; however he remained silent.
"Though many questions remain about the circumstances leading up to their deaths, by your brother's hands, I cannot deny that he killed every single member of the clan including infants and children. You are as you doubtlessly must have feared the last of your line." Hiruzen sighed heavily shaking his head sadly.
"What of Itachi then? Do you have any leads as to where he fled?" Sasuke asked immediately sitting straighter in his seat. A faint hope rising within him—though he kept this to himself.
Hiruzen shook his head once more. "No unfortunately I have no leads, two Anbu were tracking him... we found them dead, they had stabbed each other with their own swords." Hiruzen explained.
Sasuke frowned; this news was hardly surprising to him. Itachi was unparalleled in his clan for his usage of genjutsu. His ability to manipulate other minds was truly remarkable.
"Genjutsu then? they were foolish to look into his eyes." Sasuke commented bitterly.
Hiruzen closed his eyes and took another draw from his pipe "Yes that is my suspicion as well, to progress in genjutsu to such a point and to use it so brutally, it matches Itachi to a T, all we know for sure is that he has fled the village the Inuzuka have lost his scent somewhere along the border." Hiruzen admitted.
Sasuke grit his teeth in frustration. Deep down he had known they would not have caught him, how could they when even the elite in his own clan had failed to stop him?
"I see." Sasuke muttered feeling utterly defeated.
"What is to be done about him moving forward?" Sasuke pressed. If anything he wanted to hear some words of comfort—but none came; instead he got nothing but platitudes and empty promises.
"He has already been labelled a missing-Ninja, a traitor, a bounty of 45 million ryo has been posted in the Bingo books." Hiruzen replied calmly.
"Is anyone currently looking for him?" Sasuke asked impatiently. Asking a question was better than letting his emotions run wild right now. He needed information on what was happening outside of the village, who was doing what to find him, who was hunting him. He needed to know.
Hiruzen looked uncomfortable for just a moment his eyes wincing ever so slightly "No... at least not now, the village is far too insecure following the loss of your clan and the police force they ran for Konoha, crime is at an all-time high and with the deaths of so many skilled shinobi we haven't the manpower to spare on finding a missing ninja."
"100 million ryo..."(10 million dollars roughly) Sasuke mumbled quietly under his breath; the reward was enough to buy a small country.
Hiruzen looked at him askance even Inoichi shifted uncomfortably. "Come again?"
"I will pay 100 million Ryo for his head, it is enough to start a small country." Sasuke stated bluntly.
This was his only bargaining chip. No matter what else was going on, it was worth the risk to avenge his people, Shinobi at the end of the day were mercenaries, hired killers nothing more nothing less if one damn thing in this world spoke to them it would be money. He did not even care if they killed him honestly, he doubted many people could but that was not the point not really anyway.
He would have never considered it before but, subtlety could have its use here he was not expecting anyone to actually succeed Itachi was a monster in human flesh, but...
The amount of bounty hunters alone would hound Itachi endlessly guaranteeing him not a single moment of rest he would always live looking over his shoulder just like he was forcing him to live now. He would live his life scurrying like a rat just as he told Sasuke to live. Itachi had to sleep he had to eat and breathe like any mortal man did therefore he was fallible, poison his food or slit his throat when he rested, and he would die like any man. This would make Itachi paranoid, and even if Kami forbid he came back and killed him the bounty would still stand a final fuck you from him and his kin.
Hiruzen and Inoichi shared a glance.
"Sasuke-" Inoichi began.
"It is no different than any other mission the village takes, we need to protect ourselves, he could come back, if he could wipe out the Uchiha clan the strongest clan in Konoha then no one is safe not even your clan Inoichi."
Inoichi looked away from him conceding the point.
"He is out there even now he is likely getting stronger, growing even more powerful. Who is to say he will not come back and attack again?" Sasuke reasoned.
The Hokage for some reason looked troubled to Sasuke. "Sasuke-kun I understand your pain and your anger; you are absolutely correct that your brother is out there and he poses an enormous threat to the entire village." Hiruzen said slowly taking a long drag off of his pipe. "But it is not about money, you are not thinking straight—you are young, and have many years ahead of you, please allow us to handle the situation." Hiruzen held up a hand to interrupt the younger man. When he was about to interject.
Sasuke leaned back with a frown.
Hiruzen continued "That is all we will speak of on this matter Sasuke." He said firmly his eyes brooking no argument.
"Rest assured though I will bring him to justice."
(LIE ROLL FAILED SARUTOBI HIRUZEN CANNOT DECEIVE YOU.)
(SUBTERFUGE 7 + MANIPULATION 4 VS SUBTERFUGE 10 + COMPOSURE 5 = -4 NO SUCCESSES.)
What?
'Why would he lie about that?' Sasuke thought to himself in near panic; he knew that Hiruzen should do everything in his power to capture Itachi. He had massacred an entire clan of Konoha shinobi the last living founding clan to be precise. They were a clan of warriors Sasuke's own people. To lose them in such a way was a tragedy, and to have Itachi escape out into the wider world and kill more people was a travesty.
If there was one person who was capable of bringing Itachi to justice currently it was the Hokage. But then why? Why would he tell such a blatant lie.
Sasuke was confused, and his heart ached with a burning rage, the kind that would have made his brother proud. He would have to think on this later. Collecting himself internally thanks to his considerable subterfuge he managed to respond.
"A-as you wish Hokage-sama, I will trust in your judgement." He said as he imagined a good dog would.
(LIE ROLL PASSED.)
(SUBTERFUGE 10 + MANIPULATION 5 VS SUBTERFUGE 7 + COMPOSURE 5 + CURSE OF HATRED 2 =1 SUCCESS)
Hiruzen nodded genially but his eyes held a slight edge he beleieved he was not meant to see. "Thank you Sasuke-kun. Now, let us move on shall we?" Hiruzen suggested placing his pipe aside and picking up a brush from beside his inkpot.
"We need to talk about your future your father wished you to become a shinobi are you still intending to follow his wish?" Hiruzen enquired politely.
Sasuke bowed his head lowering his eyes briefly to hide his rage, he had not missed the edge in the Hokage's eyes nor his utter dismissal of speaking about Itachi. Using his dead father was a low blow too. He understood this old man for what he truly was, a political animal, a filthy old monkey not above using the dead to further his own goals.
"Of course, I fully intend to become a shinobi, like my father wished." Sasuke replied keeping his voice level and calm. Showing rage would do him no good but it did burn to keep it bottled up.
Hiruzen smiled; his lips curling upwards. "I am glad to hear that, Sasuke-kun." Sasuke felt a deep revulsion at the sight of the smile, it was the same a wolf might wear while hounding its prey. He penned down something on the scroll in front of him with well-practiced strokes before setting the scroll aside.
"Now, what have you been doing since you were released from the hospital by Inoichi?" Hiruzen asked, leaning forward.
"I've been training mostly, I have to get stronger." Sasuke replied truthfully. Hiruzen gave him a look of mild surprise.
'You already know that though, don't you?' Sasuke thought.
"Oh? What have you been working on?" Hiruzen asked, his eyes narrowing slightly almost imperceptibly so, but nothing hid from his eyes not now. "You seem to have been improving quite a lot lately. Have you been studying under someone?" His tone was casual but his eyes were not. The eyes never lied, not to him.
"You noticed my improvement? I am honored Hokage-sama. I do not have a mentor currently though, I have mostly been studying my clan's scrolls." Sasuke said bowing his head respectfully; he was not about to give the old man the pleasure of acting out not now, his father had warned him the third Hokage was dangerous.
Inoichi and everyone else may have been fooled by this man, but Sasuke was of the mind that one did not last forty years as a Kage without spilling a fair share of blood or manipulating others.
"I have mostly been practicing my Ninjutsu, I found out I awakened my Sharingan as well." Sasuke said, the words coming easy to him flowing like water from a spring.
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "You have gained the Sharingan as well? That is impressive." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Do not be fooled however, the Sharingan is merely a tool, it does not make a shinobi. You must continue to train hard, and learn more jutsu, the Sharingan is a mere trinket compared to the true power of a ninja. A shinobi's strength comes from their ideals and from the bonds they form, teamwork and loyalty that is strength, that has always been my belief."
Sasuke almost scoffed Itachi had been more than strong enough without teamwork or loyalty he had relied on his eyes he had even killed Shisui his best friend only to further progress his eyes.
Hiruzen to Sasuke spoke like someone who envied his eyes, the sharingan was no mere tool, not to Sasuke; or to any Uchiha the sharingan was his salvation. It was well and truly the legacy of his blood the greatest thing an Uchiha could ever achieve—and yet Hiruzen saw it only as a 'trinket.' The sharingan was a blessing no mere bauble or passing fancy. With eyes like his the Uchiha had been feared and respected far and wide. Not even the Hyuuga for their arrogance had ever reached the heights his ancestors had achieved.
The Hyuuga did nothing to awaken their eyes and so took them for granted. They languished and even hated their own kin enslaving them to their main family all so that they could jealously cling to their status.
The sharingan was the Uchiha's heritage but it had to be worked for. It manifested only in those of the clan who had been deemed worthy of it, only through loss, triumph, or powerful desire were these eyes awakened.
To his kin the Sharingan was a symbol of pride and honor; something to be cherished. Not looked upon with suspicion or fear. It was an eye that belonged to a clan that valued their own above all others, a clan that survived wars innumerable because of their bond with each other. A clan that could endure and even thrive when faced with great loss and despair.
The sharingan was the mark of their clan, the eye that reflected the heart. Its crimson hue dyed the same color of blood, both from the loss of it and the desire to protect it.
Sasuke felt the urge to frown in annoyance, but his face did not even twitch.
"I will keep that in mind Hokage-sama, in addition to that I have been sparring, just this day I sparred with a boy named Naruto and then later on with Inoichi."
(PLUS 1 RELATIONSHIP WITH SARUTOBI HIRUZEN 18-100.)
"Truly?" Hiruzen seemed surprised. "It is good that you are branching out Sasuke-kun, it is important to be able to work with people of different backgrounds. I'm sure you will find the experience invaluable." Sasuke nodded in agreement as the Hokage continued. "I understand the pain of your loss is still all too raw, but I hope in time that you will come to rely on those around you and move forward and find a new family rather than dwelling in the past."
Sasuke was silent for a long while; his emotions warred within him as he considered the Hokage's words. He detected no lies this time that was truly what the Hokage wanted for him. He wanted him to move on, he wanted him to-
'He wants me to forget the Uchiha.' Sasuke realized, his blood boiling.
He did not want to forget the Uchiha, he wanted to avenge his mother and the rest of his clan, even now everything he did was for the dead not for the living. He did not need to be told to grieve, he was already doing so, if the old man cared he should be helping Sasuke with his quest. Instead the old man was trying to dissuade him; to push him in a way that HE wanted.
Sasuke was not going to let himself be pushed like some pawn on a board. People only ever saw what they wanted to see, as long as he played to that he would succeed.
"I have to keep moving forward... You are right Hokage-sama. I hope I can do so." Sasuke said simply, though inside he burned with rage and resentment.
Hiruzen smiled at Sasuke—the kind of smile that almost made the Uchiha clench his fists and growl. It was the same smile a huntsmen would give to his favored hound.
(PLUS 1 RELATIONSHIP WITH SARUTOBI HIRUZEN 19-100.)
"That is the spirit Sasuke-kun, you have made excellent strides recently in your training. Keep up the good work and do not hesitate to ask for help when you feel you are struggling. You may speak to either of us about anything. Konoha is a family, never forget that." Hiruzen said warmly.
Sasuke nodded his head "I will try Hokage-sama, I hope one day that I will be able to do so. I would like to see the people here in such a way."
He lied as he breathed but perhaps there was some truth to his words, his power seemingly wanted him to forge connections and being connected to powerful shinobi could only help him in his opinion.
(PLUS 2 RELATIONSHIP WITH SARUTOBI HIRUZEN. 21/100. WARM REPUTATION ACHIEVED.)
The Hokage nodded an understanding look in his eye as he drew from his pipe. "That is all I can ask Sasuke-kun, just know that Konoha is your home, and it is here for you."
"Now then on to the burial of your clan, as you know we will be laying them to rest tomorrow did you have any special requests?"
Sasuke nearly winced such a heavy question one he never wanted to think about but there was only one proper answer.
"I would like to request that the Uchiha clan be allowed to have a cremation instead of a common burial—with each member being cremated separately if that is possible." Sasuke requested.
Hiruzen nodded, "That's not a difficult request at all." Hiruzen responded thoughtfully "It is the tradition of your clan to be buried in such a manner, and the tradition is one I fully intend on keeping. Though I have to ask who do you desire to carry out the cremation? Your clan insisted on letting their own do so but if you would forgive me that is no longer possible." Hiruzen stated gently an uncomfortable look on his face.
"I have been practicing the gokakyu jutsu, but I do not think I have the chakra necessary to do so for my entire clan in one funeral, I can currently use the gokakyu technique fifteen times before I am completely exhausted. Though it pains me to ask I will need help in cremating the others." Sasuke bowed his head low in shame and regret his shoulders shaking.
(FAKE EMOTIONS ROLL SUCCESS.)
(PRESENCE 5 + SUBTERFUGE 10=15 VS COMPOSURE 5 SUBTERFUGE 7= 3 SUCCESSES!)
Hiruzen was silent before a sorrowful look entered his eyes but beneath it was a glimmer of what Sasuke thought was pride.
"That you can cast that jutsu so many times at your age is astounding young Sasuke, you have nothing to be ashamed of." Hiruzen's voice was filled with emotion; that he was indirectly to blame for this child's suffering did not help matters at all.
(PLUS 3 RELATIONSHIP WITH SARUTOBI HIRUZEN 24-100.)
"I will cremate the others personally Sasuke, they were my people too after all, just like everyone in Konoha is. Do not regret that you had to ask me for assistance, in fact I am pleased that you were willing to ask for help in this matter, I only hope that one day you too will come to see the men and women around you as a new family as I have done."
"Now then, I assume you wish to cremate your mother and father personally are there any others you wish to personally honor in such a way?" Hiruzen inquired; with some hesitation.
Sasuke nodded his head.
"Uchiha Inabi, Uchiha Naka, Uchiha Teka, Uchiha Tenkai, Uchiha Setsuko, Uchiha Izumi, and my aunt and uncle Uruchi and Teyaki."
Hiruzen did not even bat an eye as he wrote them down in his ledger.
Standing from his desk with a shake of his head he turned and looked out of the massive windows of his office looking over the village below him.
"It will be done Uchiha Sasuke, it will be done." Hiruzen said firmly. Breathing out he exhaled a cloud of smoke from his wooden pipe the cloud lingering above him.
"For what it is worth, I am sorry my boy, I only wish I could have prevented it. The destruction of your clan will doubtlessly go down in history as one of our villages greatest failings, but even if your clan does not rise again, we will remember their loss, what you have lost. Please do not feel like a failure; you are simply a part of something that is much greater than yourself. The loss of your clan was not your fault. Never blame yourself, your mother and father..."
Hiruzen paused considering his words. "I knew them quite well did you know? So, take what I say to heart, they would not want you to carry that weight. The fault of their deaths falls on others not you." He paused and glanced over the boy who was still sitting nervously in front of him. "Tell me young Sasuke do you know why you were given that name?"
Sasuke's eyes widened at the sudden change in subject, but he answered honestly. "No sir." Sasuke answered honestly; he had never thought to ask.
Hiruzen nodded at that a sentimental smile playing at his lips before he gazed back down at the village. "It was the name of my father Sarutobi Sasuke, your father named you in honor of my own father, who was his sensei when he was just a boy like you are now." Hiruzen stated and he glanced at the boy.
Sasuke was stunned speechless by this revelation he had never thought of that name's significance before. He shook his head clearing that thought.
"I do not blame myself for their deaths Hokage-sama, I know who is to blame, Uchiha Itachi. All punishment should fall to him once he dies my people will have peace."
Hiruzen smiled softly though to sasuke's trained eye it looked sad and filled with shame.
"My boy, you will always have peace here, in Konoha; you have a home here. Please do not be so quick to seek vengeance, you may find yourself digging two graves, one for your victim and another for the life you could have lived." Hiruzen's voice was thick with emotion as he spoke, his eyes gazing into the distance though there was a glimmer of something more like pain in the eyes of the Hokage.
"You are showing signs of becoming a truly splendid shinobi Sasuke, I would urge you not to throw your life away for revenge. Do not cast others aside for that one pursuit, you will find it a lonely life and one of great pain." Hiruzen's voice was low as if he was talking to himself.
The Hokage was visibly distraught and he paced about his office his feet silent despite his pacing, even Inoichi who had been respectfully quiet seemed to go in on himself practically becoming one with the furnishings of the room.
Sasuke nodded he had to play this part carefully. "But I will not do it alone Hokage-sama, as you said Konoha is a family, and family if my clan taught me anything, family always looks out for one another. Together we will see justice served. I would do the same for anyone in this village." Sasuke's voice was earnest, damningly so. This was the Sasuke he wanted people to know—a noble and honorable hero.
(LIE ROLL SUCCESSFUL)
(MANIPULATION 5 + SUBTERFUGE 10 =15 VS RESOLVE 5 + SUBTERFUGE 7 + CURSE OF HATRED 2 = 1 SUCCESS.)
Too bad it was a lie.
Sarutobi paused in his pacing to stare at the young man before him with a thoughtful look. Sasuke could see a light in the Hokage's eyes that was absent before. As if he was seeing Sasuke in a new light.
He saw more than just a young boy who was broken and mending; he saw a young man who had the strength and drive to do what needed to be done, to stand together with his village against any wrongs, the will of fire seemed to be sparking in this young Uchiha if it could be tended how warm would it glow?
As Hiruzen stared at Sasuke with these new eyes something stood out to him he had been keeping watch on the boy after all and he saw him earlier that day helping young Naruto who he did not even know. To go out of his way to help a stranger whose only tie to him was the village demonstrated the character of Uchiha Sasuke, he was broken and mending but even still he tried to help others. He had watched his training through the crystal ball as well he had the talent to back up his resolve.
(PLUS 2 RELATIONSHIP WITH SARUTOBI HIRUZEN! 24-100.)
Sasuke was not like some of his clan; he was not one of those arrogant fools who thought only of themselves and were obsessed with gaining power for their own selfish reasons. Sasuke was someone who could be of use to Konoha not just for his bloodline but for his character.
This was the dream Tobirama had for the Uchiha, it was no secret his sensei had been a critic but if there was one good trait the Uchiha had it was their love and loyalty to their own, a love greater than any other clan something Tobirama had both praised and criticized them for. A love which could be a weakness or strength depending on the circumstances, which is why Tobirama had wanted to change the Uchiha; to make them something new and better something like Sasuke was becoming. As loving to the village as they were to their own. Itachi had taken it too far he had forgotten to love his clan but Sasuke? Sasuke seemed to have found the balance his own sensei had wanted.
Hiruzen felt his chest swell with pride, this young Uchiha... the dream was so close. Sasuke's skills were just beginning to blossom and he was already even through pain and loss becoming a wonderful ninja.
Smiling at the boy he made his decision.
"Perhaps you are right young Uchiha; but you are too young for this, your path is yet unwritten." Hiruzen said simply.
Sasuke read through him this was another test.
He bowed his head slightly in deference the pain of lying and deceiving others absent. "You are right Hokage-sama I will trust in your judgement." Sasuke replied, feeling like he was walking through a maze of lies—which was exactly what he was doing.
As the Hokage watched him a smile blossomed on the old man's face. "You will not always be as young as you are now Sasuke when you come of age and demonstrate your strength Konoha will stand with you. It is as you said family looks out for one another. When you are strong enough we will get justice for your clan together." Hiruzen said his voice ringing with hope.
Sasuke's expression was so earnest, so determined; it reminded Hiruzen of himself when he had been younger, full of passion and drive to accomplish great things. Sasuke would make an excellent shinobi one day.
Perhaps one day he would even wear the hat he now wore, he had thought Itachi would but that was no longer possible... but this boy, not only was he skilled for his age, but he was sociable, something Itachi was not, and he went out of his way to help others without thought of reward. Hiruzen could see so much potential in him.
"I thank you for coming by Sasuke-kun, we will see each other again at the funeral ceremony tomorrow at noon and lay your family to rest. If you need anything of me my door is always open." Hiruzen said nodding to Sasuke before the boy stood and bowed back respectfully.
"Thank you for seeing me Hokage-sama, I will be leaving now." Sasuke said with a small smile that reached his eyes.
Hiruzen returned the smile; a smile that held a deep warmth.
Sasuke felt nothing, as he left the office but acted like he did. He shed a few tears outside of the office fully aware he was being watched before wiping his eyes and setting his face into a determined smile.
He was not guilty he felt not even a flicker of remorse. All that mattered was that he had gotten what he wanted.
They had both been trying to manipulate the other after all. Behind that grandfatherly smile may have been a kind man, but it was a man that did not mind manipulating others to meet his ends. In that way he and the Hokage were the same. The difference being Sasuke was better at it.
He would use this to his advantage, there were many ways to victory and when dealing with opponents stronger than oneself strength may have been king but subtlety, subtlety was key.
A strong opponent like the Hokage would destroy him in a straight fight but he was training to be a shinobi not a samurai a fair fight was not the only way to win. Sometimes the best way to defeat an opponent was to never strike them at all.
QUEST COMPLETED
QUEST REWARD 1: 8XP, 1 LEVEL IN CHAKRA CONTROL.
QUEST REWARD 2: FAILED 10 XP, 1 LEVEL IN PERSUASION.
Sasuke resisted the urge to grimace he had not succeeded in his secondary objective which worried him slightly. It made sense though the third had been under the influence of the second for years add to that the suspicion that tainted his clan before the massacre and things had gone better than he could have hoped for when he thought about it.
His lie about Itachi was bothering him though why would the Hokage refuse to pursue him seriously, was he perhaps afraid of his brother? Or was there something else going on behind the scenes?
Sasuke sighed, as he exited the building, he may be overthinking it, he should have expected as much; the Hokage would not act rashly, he would think of every angle and plan out his moves carefully, it made sense that after the loss of so many shinobi he would be hesitant to send more after an S-ranked shinobi like his brother.
Itachi was a prodigy, he may be too powerful for any number of the rank and file to deal with, it was no wonder the Hokage was wary of sending anyone after him, still though why lie about that? He would keep his eyes open but for now he would reserve judgement.
Sasuke turned to walk away from the main road; he could feel eyes watching him as if they were burning holes in his back. Turning he saw nothing but that did little to put him at ease. There was something in the air this night a certain tension it felt like the air itself was heavy with it, it was almost tangible to the touch.
Reaching out with his chakra he sensed his surroundings, a single figure flared to his chakra senses at the edge of his perception range, he felt around chunin in level but his chakra it was unusual it felt still and faintly cold he could pick up his earth affinity as well but the strangeness of his chakra gave Sasuke pause.
The figure was moving towards him slowly, he was currently around 17 yards away and closing. Sasuke quickly assessed the situation; there was not enough information to decide on what to do.
He decided to continue his way towards his compound taking care to act as if he had not noticed the stranger which was hard since the man was practically walking on his heels.
The stranger continued to follow Sasuke like a shadow, Sasuke kept his pace steady and relaxed; he had been hoping his presence was a coincidence, but it seemed that was not the case.
Sasuke was concerned this was not his ANBU tail from earlier this person felt practically like a husk even as he leapt from treetop to treetop, he made no sound if he were not a sensor, he would have never even noticed him.
As he neared his destination, he began to consider the possibilities, could he be a spy for one of the clans or maybe some rival village was interested in Konoha's recent losses and had sent someone after him? One thing was for certain though he would not allow this stranger to set foot into his clan's compound no matter who he was.
He had no kunai or shuriken on him not in his formal wear, but he still believed he could take this stranger or at the very least drive them off by raising the alarm. Focusing for an instant he put his 8 xp into dexterity to raise his defense and speed. before he subtly went through some hand seals before turning rapidly to the tree he felt the stalker on. He had not fully recovered his chakra, but he believed he had enough.
(KATON GOKAKYU NO JUTSU) HE ENTONED.
(-250 CP 2000 CP REMAINING.)
A large fireball flew from his mouth at speed towards the tree, he felt the chakra signature flare brightly as the shinobi used their chakra enhanced speed to avoid the conflagration.
(9 AGGRAVATED DAMAGE DEALT IN 9 YARD AREA TREE CATCHES FIRE 1 AGGRAVATED PER 10 SECONDS.)
Shifting his eyes, they spun to life in a now comforting red hue as the figure landed some distance away in front of him.
The man? wore a concealing black robe the hilt of a ninjato jutting over his right shoulder he wore a plain white face obscuring mask like an ANBU would wear that roughly resembled a bear. his hair and any defining feature obscured by the hood of his robes.
"Who are you?" Sasuke demanded "Why are you following me?" his tone was calm and collected but his eyes were narrowed and dangerous.
The stranger was silent for a moment; Sasuke's eyes scanned the trees and shadows for signs of other attackers. He was ready to defend himself against multiple foes.
"How did you detect me?" the masked ninja asked "I was careful not to leave a trace." His voice was muffled by the mask and Sasuke could not make out any emotion in his voice not even confusion.
"I am the one asking questions here, you are trespassing and have been following me. What is your purpose." Sasuke said calmly, his body now at the ready, his breathing controlled.
"That is not for you to know, you are dangerous, like all of your kin. I have come to apprehend you nothing more nothing less." the man replied, the words coming out in a flat monotone.
'Examine' Sasuke thought.
NAME AJISAMI NAOKI (ROOT OPERATIVE LOW LEVEL)
AGE 19.
CHARACTER: EMOTIONLESS
DIRGE: EMOTIONLESS
CLAN- NONE
BLOODLINE- NONE
EXPERIENCE POINTS 0
BEATS 0/0
SIZE- 5 ROUGHLY IN THE FIVE-FOOT RANGE.
HEALTH LEVEL- 15, 10 FROM STAMINA, 5 FROM SIZE.
CHAKRA CAPACITY- 4950/6000 CP.
SPEED- 25 YPS RUN SPEED 5 FROM SIZE, 10 FROM DEX, 10 FROM STR. X10 MAX WHEN USING CHAKRA BOOST.
DEFENSE RATING- 13 + 8 IF USING CHAKRA SPEED BOOST.
ARMOR RATING- 0A 0A 0B.
SOAK- 20B.
INITIATIVE MODIFIER- 13
GENJUTSU RESISTANCE- 13
GENJUTSU BONUS- 7
DESCRIPTION- NA
REPUTATION- 0/0
VALUE- 4 XP. OPPONENT IS RELATIVE TO YOUR SKILL LEVEL FOUR XP WILL BE ACQUIRED BY DEFEATING THEM.
MENTAL ATTRIBUTES
INTELLIGENCE- 2/5
WITS- 3/5
RESOLVE- 10/50
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
STRENGTH-10/50
DEXTERITY- 10/50
STAMINA- 10/50
SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES
PRESENCE- 2/5
MANIPULATION- 2/5
COMPOSURE- 5/5
SKILLS
MENTAL SKILLS
ACADEMICS- 3/10
SEALING- 2/10
CRAFTING- 0/10
INVESTIGATION 2/10
MEDICAL- 1/10
OCCULT- 3/10
POLITICS- 0/10
CHAKRA CONTROL- 5/10
PHYSICAL SKILLS
ATHLETICS- 3/10
BRAWL- 3/10
MARTIAL ARTS- 2/10
MECHANICA- 1/10
SLEIGHT OF HAND- 2/10
STEALTH- 4/10
SURVIVAL- 4/10
WEAPONRY- 3/10
SOCIAL SKILLS
ANIMAL KEN- 0/10
EMPATHY- 0/10
EXPRESSION- 0/10
INTIMIDATION- 0/10
PERSUASION- 0/10
SOCIALIZE- 0/10
STREETWISE- 0/10
SUBTERFUGE- 0/10
'Root? what is that?' Sasuke thought, his mind racing; he was not an ANBU he had no defining village markings on him nothing, not even a personality. The only thing he was sure of was that he was an enemy and he acted accordingly.
"Surrender yourself to us and you will not be harmed." the stranger said, his voice like stone.
Sasuke smirked he could go all out here, time to test this power of his from what he was reading he could beat this man with his current stats. Even if he didn't the fire jutsu he used should have drawn some attention.
"Sorry, but that is my line give yourself up or I will burn you alive." Sasuke growled; he could feel the heat building in his gut.
(DESPERADO MERIT ACTIVATED! PLUS 1 TO STRENGTH, STAMINA, AND DEXTERITY!)
(STATS NOW STR 7, DEX 9, STA 9.)
(EFFECTS PLUS 400 CHAKRA BY STAMINA, PLUS 1 DEFENSE BY DEXTERITY, PLUS 1 DAMAGE BY STRENGTH, PLUS 2 SPEED BY STRENGTH AND DEXTERITY, PLUS 1 HIT BY DEXTERITY BOOST.)
(PAIN AND HUNGER MERIT ACTIVATED! PLUS 1 TO HIT!)
The root shinobi did not answer him instead he simply moved to draw his sword.
Sasuke flew through hand signs (KATON GORYUUKA NO JUTSU!)
(-750 CP 1650 CP REMAINING)
The flame dragon roared as it raced towards the shinobi who barely managed to avoid it by a burst of speed. As the dragon exploded on the street in a massive 12-yard-wide explosion of fire and ash.
(ROOT USED SPEED ENHANCEMENT MINUS 500 CP 4550CP REMAINING)
(FIRE DRAGON 13 ATTACK + SHARINGAN 6 + PAIN AND HUNGER 1 =20 VS DEFENSE 13 + SPEED BONUS 8= 21)
The operative avoided it by the skin of his teeth, drawing his blade he appeared in front of Sasuke in a burst of speed his blade already descending towards the Uchiha's gut.
Sasuke's eyes saw the movement before it even occurred flowing like smoke he moved aside of the thrusting blade his eyes making the process all too easy.
(MELEE ROLL)
(DEX 10 + WEP 3 = 13 VS DEF 12 +SHARINGAN 12 =24)
(11 SUCCESSES ON DEFENSE.)
As he weaved away from the blade, he lashed out with a left jab in the same motion targeting the ninja's throat.
(RIPOSTE ROLL)
24-13=11 -1 =10)
(20 SOAK - 10 BLUNT DAMAGE= 10 SOAK REMAINING.)
The masked ninja flinched and took a step back; his expression was unreadable behind his mask. He quickly recovered and with a flash of silver his sword cut downwards in an arc aimed for Sasuke's chest.
Sasuke was prepared his eyes made it trivial. moving around the blade once again with the same ease he again immediately countered driving his knee into the Nin's side.
(RIPOSTE ROLL)
(24-13=11-1=10)
(10 SOAK -10 BLUNT DAMAGE=0 SOAK REMAINING.)
The root gasped and stumbled backwards, clutching at his midsection. his blade cautiously held in front of him. Sasuke smiled to himself; he knew he had him now. He pressed his advantage.
He made eye contact that was his first and last mistake. Focusing on his eyes sasuke's sharingan spun wildly the ANBU staggered slightly his footing becoming uncertain under the simple trick.
Lashing out with speed Sasuke avoided his bladed block and drove his sandalled foot into the stranger's throat.
(MELEE ROLL)
(DEX 9 + BWL 3 +SHARINGAN 6 + P&H 1 =19 VS DEF 13 =13)
(ATTACKER SUCCEEDS WITH 6 SUCCESSES. 5 SUCCESSES ADDED TO DAMAGE.)
(DAMAGE ROLL)
(STRENGTH 7 + SUCCESSES 5 + MARTIAL ARTS 1 =13 BLUNT DAMAGE)
(THROAT TARGETED BLUNT TURNED TO LETHAL! 13 LETHAL)
(15 HEALTH -13 LETHAL =2 HEALTH REMAINING.)
(MAIMED STATUS EFFECT APPLIED -6 TO PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES.)
The root Ninja fell to the ground choking and gasping for air. He dropped his blade as he desperately clutched at his damaged throat.
Sasuke had felt his windpipe crack beneath his sandalled foot. The root man writhed like a fish out of water, his eyes what sasuke could see of them were wide in agony as blood began to spill from the edges of his mask.
Sasuke almost winced but then remembered this scum bag had tried to abduct him so he let the feeling pass. Instead, Sasuke grabbed the discarded ninjato and pressed it against the man's neck; the man flailed in pain.
"Stop struggling and tell me what you know. Who sent you to watch me? Why are they after me?" Sasuke asked.
"I cannot-"
Sasuke sliced the mask off his face revealing a young man perhaps of nineteen years old. His head was shaven and quite pale. He was not very attractive, and his face was quite gaunt the blood dribbling from his lips certainly did not help.
"Who are you?" Sasuke demanded.
"I cannot say."
Sasuke lightly dragged the blade down his cheek "who sent you then?"
"I can't-"
Sasuke glared down at him his sharingan spinning ominously "Tell me." he urged his tomoe twirling in a hypnotic pattern. He saw the power take hold as the shinobi stopped struggling.
"I work for lord..." He trailed off and his body suddenly shook violently like a leaf in the wind. Blood spilled from his mouth and nose. A wet gurgling noise came out of his throat.
Sasuke noted with some amount of shock that he was bleeding from his eyes and his ears looking at him closely as he spasmed he saw a seal flashing on his writhing tongue, the mark ominously glowing.
The Sharingan saw what was going to happen before it did, seeing the buildup of chakra in the organ sasuke acted quickly severing the tongue with the blade he tossed it away not a second too soon as the tongue detonated some distance away in an explosion that would have likely made the body unrecognizable.
Sasuke quickly tried to stem the bleeding, but he was unsuccessful the man's life blood slipping past his grasping fingers like rainwater running through a gutter.
He was still alive, though he was fading fast prying his eyes open Sasuke made a choice and intruded upon his mind with his sharingan.
All he saw before the man stopped breathing and he was kicked out of his mind was the back of a heavily bandaged man, with dark hair.
Being forced out of the dead man's mind Sasuke quickly deactivated his sharingan and wiped his brow. Of all the things to happen why this why now?
Sasuke looked over to the corpse of the man he had just killed. The man's eyes stared blankly up at the sky; his face stuck in a rictus of agony.
He scowled after a moment of thought he would be the first of many might as well get over it, he deserved it he had been planning to abduct him had targeted him in his moment of weakness with his family dead and him weakened by training.
He had skulked around like a rat waiting for a perfect opportunity to attack him. Sasuke had struck first that is all, and a rat catcher should not feel shame for ridding the world of vermin. It was a public service not something to vilify. Sasuke knew he had done the right thing.
He had to harden his heart had he not already decided that he would kill the monsters of this world? This was no different he was a child of ten and that man had been willing to abduct him and kami only knows what would have been done to him.
One less monster. That is all there is to it. One more scumbag in the ground; another stain removed from this world. A little Itachi in the making ended before they could carry out more atrocities.
Grasping the blade tightly in his hands regardless of how they shook Sasuke slashed out the man's eyes in a single stroke scum did not deserve to look up to the heavens in death, or in life. He would give Itachi the same treatment when the time came.
(4XP ADDED FOR DEFEATING A RELATIVELY EQUAL OPPONENT.)
(VENGEFUL! FOR ACTING IN YOUR NATURE TAKE A BEAT!)
Sasuke grabbed the sheath for the blade from the corpse fastening the strap across his back he waited the fight had only taken about two minutes all said and done hopefully some shinobi would come by soon to investigate. leaning against a heavily charred tree he looked down at his blood stained formal wear in disgust. He was going to wear this to the funeral tomorrow, he would have to spend quite a bit of time scrubbing it.
Before he could ruminate on that annoyance any further a team of ANBU appeared on the scene with their blades drawn. They were quick to assess the situation and rushed in to surround Sasuke; the leader spoke in a low tone to one of the others who nodded in agreement.
"Uchiha Sasuke? What happened here?"
Sasuke turned to the Anbu who spoke he wore a dog like mask and had a grey cloak signifying he was a captain.
"Took you long enough are you ANBU always so late?" Sasuke retorted angrily. The Captain gave Sasuke a stern look which Sasuke ignored.
"He was following me based on his mask I originally thought he was an ANBU but he did not speak with any emotion at all even as he died aside from pain he revealed no feeling." Sasuke explained. Sasuke watched as the other members of the group moved around the area; checking for clues or anything else. After they had finished their investigation, they collected the body and began to disperse except for the captain.
"I am taking you to the Hokage follow me." He ordered simply Sasuke seeing no choice and wanting to get this over with did as he was asked.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was not having a very good night to say the least. He had just finished his conversation with Inoichi pertaining to Sasuke's development and newfound focus when he found the boy before him for the second time that night a ninjato slung across his back and his formal Kimono covered in blood.
"Inu report." He ordered the Anbu captain accompanying the boy gruffly.
"My team found Uchiha Sasuke outside of his clan compound covered in blood the body of a non-identified Shinobi dressed in ANBU gear some distance away. We have sealed off the clan compound; we are investigating the body for leads and to determine if any of them are missing clan members. The body of the unidentified is being examined by the medical examiner."
"Anything else?" Hiruzen asked dreading the worst.
"The ANBU in question had a blank mask and wore black robes sir, we were unable to find his tongue, and his eyes had been slashed out."
Hiruzen felt his blood chill.
'Danzo, what are you playing at?' he thought. 'You were ordered to leave the boy alone, did his progress startle you so much?' he thought to himself.
"Sasuke tell me what happened; you will be safe in the company of my men." he told the young Uchiha.
"I noticed him following me shortly after I left our meeting Hokage-sama, he tried to follow me into my compound and was getting closer and closer to me, so I confronted him since I suspected foul play. He told me not to resist and attempted to abduct me, we fought I crushed his windpipe with my foot and when he was grasping around I blinded him with his own sword hoping it would allow me to take him in alive, I then noticed a seal flashing on his tongue with my Sharingan and an abnormal amount of chakra build up so I cut out his tongue and tossed it away a few seconds later it detonated, I believe the seal prevented him from speaking and failing that was designed to destroy his head to prevent his mind being read."
Hiruzen was stunned; he knew Danzo's methods. That seal, it could only be his work, luckily his body was more or less preserved sans his tongue and eyes.
(PLUS 6 RELATIONSHIP WITH SARUTOBI HIRUZEN 30-100.)
"Sasuke, you have done well, very well. I cannot give you the details at this time as I do not have them all myself, but that body may be just what is needed to prove guilt in a long line of abductions."
"Neko." Sarutobi spoke simply suddenly in a flash of movement another ANBU was present one sasuke recognized from her chakra signature as his watcher.
The purple haired ANBU looked at the Hokage appraisingly "You called Hokage-sama?" she inquired curiously.
"Yes, Neko, please escort Uchiha Sasuke back to his quarters and make sure he is comfortable; he has had a trying evening and needs his rest, from now on you will be guarding him on a more permanent basis."
"As you wish Hokage-sama." She replied bowing.
"Sasuke-kun I hope you do not mind this admitted invasion of privacy; it is necessary for the sake of your safety and the village's. You are to stay within your compound for the next three days after tomorrows funeral ceremony."
Sasuke almost grits his teeth just when he thought he was free of this nonsense this had to happen and throw a wrench into his plans.
"I do not mind the company Hokage-sama, but I promised Inoichi I would eat with him and his family after the ceremony tomorrow is there any way I could still attend that?"
(PLUS 3 RELATIONSHIP WITH SARUTOBI HIRUZEN 33-100 WARM)
(PLUS 2 RELATIONSHIP WITH NEKO 38-100 WARM)
(PLUS 2 RELATIONSIP WITH INU 34-100 WARM)
The Hokage gave him a warm look "Of course Sasuke-kun one must always honor their promises to their comrades, I will not keep you from doing so."
Sasuke nodded seemingly lost in his thoughts.
"Before I dismiss you Sasuke I have to ask how are you feeling?" the Hokage asked concerned. It was quite a thing to take a life especially before one was even a shinobi.
"I- I will manage, I am no stranger to seeing death, Hokage-sama, he was after me, it was him or me; I chose me. I will live with that choice." Sasuke said quietly.
(FAKE EMOTIONS ROLL SUCCESSFUL.)
Hiruzen gave the boy a reassuring smile. "Good. That is all we can do, you did the right thing Sasuke, you protected yourself and aided your village I am sorry you had to dirty your hands at such a young age but everything we do in this life is in the service of our home, of our family never forget that."
"I will keep that in mind Hokage-sama. Thank you for the advice." Sasuke bowed respectfully.
"Go and get some rest Sasuke-kun; you have earned it." the Hokage said kindly.
With a nod Neko grasped his shoulder and they shunshined from the office back to his home.
"We cannot let him get away with this, Hokage-sama." Inu said simply.
The Hokage nodded his kindly look dropping from his face.
"I am aware of that Inu, this is a step too far even for him. He has to know he has gone too far, he has to be punished for his actions. We need to be patient though, my old friend is nothing if not resourceful. I want you and your team guarding that body 24/7 we cannot allow him to slip from our grasp again." he said resolutely.
"Root should have been torn down years ago, to attack a child so recently robbed of everything he held dear, simply because he shows promise... such a thing, Shodaime-sama must be rolling in his grave. It was the very thing he had fought to stop."
Sarutobi shook his head sadly; he had respected the man like a father, and he could not bring himself to call him by name anymore. He had failed to uphold the way of the first he struggled with that shame every day.
"It is not your fault Hokage-sama." Inu spoke softly.
The aged dictator once more shook his head "No, it is solely my fault, I was the one who allowed him to gain his strength, the one that allowed him to take on the horrible tasks I was not willing to carry out myself. I am the one who put him on that path, and for that I will suffer eternally. If only I had stopped him earlier."
Inu looked down at his feet his drooping silver hair conveying his own sorrow well enough despite the mask that obscured his face.
"It is not too late Hokage-sama, you are the leader of the village, you can change things; you are not powerless. We are all in this together, you lead us, we follow you." he said with conviction. The Hokage smiled at the man.
"Inu, your loyalty means more than you will ever know, for many I fear it is too late but we can stop this from ever occurring again. Go now and watch other the body tomorrow we will gather the Yamanaka and discover what we can from the corpse." he ordered simply.
"As you wish Hokage-sama." The man saluted. With a last glance to his kage he vanished from the room in a cloud of smoke.
"One way or another, it is time that we end things old friend." the Hokage muttered to himself.
NOT QUITE EVERYTHING I WANTED TO GET THROUGH BUT CLASSES ARE BACK IN SWING...
AT LEAST I FINALLY GOT TO SPILL SOME BLOOD, I LIKE SPILLING BLOOD IN STORIES NO MORAL BULLSHIT FROM ME. NO LESSONS ON THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE OR HOW EVERY LIFE IS IRREPLACABLE. YOU LIKE ME HAVE PROBABLY HAD THIS BEATEN INTO YOUR HEAD OVER AND OVER AGAIN. BY UNCOUNTABLE PEOPLE WHO JUST WISH TO MORALLY GRANDSTAND. BUT HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A POSITION WHERE KILLING WAS EVEN AN ISSUE THEY HAD TO CONSIDER.
I HAVE NOT EITHER, TO BE FAIR BUT AS A HISTORIAN I HAVE SEEN AND READ SOME PRETTY FOUL STUFF. HUMANS ARE CAPABLE OF AWFUL AND WONDERFUL THINGS BOTH. THIS WORLD OF CHILD SOLDIERS SHOULD REFLECT THAT, AS HUMANS AND CULTURES ARE FIRST AND FOREMOST SHAPED BY THEIR SURROUNDINGS.
POOR GUY IS BETTER OFF DEAD HONESTLY, FOR WHATEVER DANZO DOES TO PEOPLE IT IS NOT LIVING. I FEEL VERY STRONGLY ON THIS POINT.
I think I am the first person to ever plainly display a Kage level shinobi's stats. Normally those are obscured due to the viewer not being of a high enough level or some jazz. No obfuscation here.
CURRENT STATS
NAME UCHIHA SASUKE
AGE 10.
RYO 149.9 MILLION
CHARACTER: VENGEFUL- You are not one to take a slight laying down whenever you act as befitting your personality by righting a perceived wrong take a beat. 5 beats grants 1 experience point.
DIRGE: PASSIONATE- You hide it well but you secretly like many uchiha have a very choleric temperament whenever you act on impulse no matter the impulse take 1 beat. 5 beats grants 1 experience point.
CLAN- UCHIHA
BLOODLINE- SHARINGAN THREE TOMOE.
EXPERIENCE POINTS 4.
BEATS 2/5
SIZE- 5 ROUGHLY IN THE FIVE-FOOT RANGE.
HEALTH LEVEL- 13, 8 FROM STAMINA, 5 FROM SIZE.
CHAKRA CAPACITY 4000 CP.
SPEED-19 YPS RUN SPEED. 5 FROM SIZE, 8 FROM DEX, 6 FROM STR. X5 IF USING GENIN SPEED BOOST.
DEFENSE RATING- 11, 23 WITH SHARINGAN, PLUS 4 IF USING GENIN SPEED BOOST.
ARMOR RATING- 0A 0A 0B.
SOAK- 16B.
INITIATIVE MODIFIER- 13
GENJUTSU RESISTANCE- 11, 23 WITH SHARINGAN
GENJUTSU BONUS- 10, PLUS LEVELED JUTSU BONUS SHARINGAN.
MENTAL ATTRIBUTES
INTELLIGENCE- 4/5. An intelligence of 4 depicts an iq of around 170 or so intelligence governs memory comprehension, sealing proficiency, medical ability, and mathematical abilities and more besides.
WITS-2/5. A wits of 2 is the human average wits governs improvisation and thinking on your toes. It benefits any skill when time is critical.
RESOLVE-7/50. Resolve of 7 is decent chunin level. Resolve covers your mental endurance to torture and your ability to keep going. Resolve in this world also heightens genjutsu resistance, and chakra capacity.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
STRENGTH- 6/50 A strength of 6 is base chunin. Strength 6 allows one to lift 900 pounds above their head with great difficulty, strength also governs the damage of physical attacks along with weapon modifiers and martial arts skill. Strength along with dexterity raise speed.
DEXTERITY- 8/50 A dexterity of 8 is solid chunin. Dexterity raises the defense rating directly and contributes to the accuracy of physical attacks. Dexterity along with strength raise speed.
STAMINA- 8/50 A stamina of 8 is solid chunin in level. Stamina directly adds a level of health per level, stamina also directly effects chakra capacity and raises your blunt soak allowing you to survive more punishing blows from punches and kicks.
SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES
PRESENCE- 5/5 A presence of 5 is the equivalent of being a ten out of ten. Presence is the combination of your looks, magnetism, and aura. It directly effects the starting opinion of those around you a presence of 5 grants you plus 20 to initial reputation with all characters. You are drop dead gorgeous and people often joke that you will be quite the lady killer when you grow up.
MANIPULATION- 5/5 A manipulation is part of your ability to lie, cajole, and other subtle means of getting your way. Manipulation effects the strength of genjutsu being added as a bonus to genjutsu rolls. A manipulation of 5 is the human peak you are the most manipulative person that isn't your brother.
COMPOSURE- 5/5 Composure is part of your social resilience against manipulation. A composure of 5 means you are far, far harder to fool than the average person. Composure like manipulation is also added to your genjutsu attack rolls.
MENTAL SKILLS
ACADEMICS- 1/10 Academics one indicates a basic education in history and the shinobi arts. Low genin level.
SEALING- 0/10 Sealing indicates talent for using fuinjutsu 0 indicates no skill or training in the art.
CRAFTING- 0/10 CRAFTING IS A WIDE SKILL COVERING TALENT IN VARIOUS WORKS FROM BUILDING TO BLACKSMITHING. 0 INDICATES YOU ARE UNSKILLED.
INVESTIGATION- 1/10 INVESTIGATION INDICATES AN EYE FOR DETAIL AND CAN HELP AVOID AMBUSHES OR LOOK UNDERNEATH THE UNDERNEATH. LOW GENIN LEVEL.
MEDICAL- 0/10 YOUR TALENT WITH MEDICAL NINJUTSU AND OTHER MEDICINES HERBAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL. 0 INDICATES NO SKILL.
OCCULT- 4/10 OCCULT IS PART OF YOUR GENJUTSU RESISTANCE IT WITH RESOLVE DETERMINES YOUR ABILITY TO FIGHT OFF ILLUSIONS. CURRENTLY AT HIGH CHUNIN LEVEL.
POLITICS- 1/10 POLITICS DENOTES YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF POLITICAL STRUCTURE AND INTELLECTUAL BUREAUCRACY. LOW GENIN LEVEL.
CHAKRA CONTROL- 3/10 DENOTES YOUR FINER CHAKRA CONTROL ABILITIES REDUCING THE COST OF NON-ELEMENTAL JUTSU BY 8 PERCENT PER LEVEL. CURRENT LEVEL LOW CHUNIN TREE EXERCISE.
PHYSICAL SKILLS
ATHLETICS- 3/10 ATHLETICS IS YOUR MUSCLE MEMORY AND ROUTINE IT INCREASES YOUR DEFENSE ALONGSIDE DEXTERITY ALLOWING YOU TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF ATTACKS. IT ALSO IMPACTS CERTAIN OVER TESTS ALONGSIDE STRENGTH OR DEX.
BRAWL- 3/10 BRAWL INDICATES YOUR SKILL IN A FIST FIGHT IT ALONGSIDE DEXTERITY DETERMINES THE SPEED AND ACCURACY OF YOUR PUNCHES AND ALONGSIDE STRENGTH DETERMINES YOUR STRENGTH IN GRAPPLING OR DEFENDING AGAINST GRAPPLING.
MARTIAL ARTS- 1/10 UNLIKE BRAWL WHICH INCREASE ACCURACY AND SPEED MARTIAL ARTS INCREASES THE RAW DAMAGE OF HAND TO HAND COMBAT EVERY POINT RAISES UNARMED DAMAGE BY 1 POINT. MASTERS PUNCH WITH FISTS STRONGER THAN MANY BLADES.
MECHANICA- 0/10 DETERMINES YOUR ACCURACY ALONGSIDE DEXTERITY FOR HITTING TARGETS WITH AIMED MECHANICAL WEAPONRY SUCH AS SENBON UMBRELLAS, CROSSBOWS, AND SHURIKEN GUNS.
SLEIGHT OF HAND- 1/10 Indicates your skill with picking pockets or quickly drawing weapons and items alongside dexterity. In addition with stealth it can be used to surprise opponents in combat if successful it halves their defense next attack. This ability is challenged by the opponents sleight of hand and investigation.
STEALTH- 2/10 Your skill of avoidance coupled with dexterity for graceful movement stealth determines how easy you can sneak challenged by opponents investigation, and resolve.
SURVIVAL- 0/10 Your skill of living off the land and prepping animals, plants, and water for consumption goes with wits to adapt to circumstances.
WEAPONRY- 4/10 Your skill with thrown and hand operated weapons like kunai shuriken and spears, weaponry with dexterity determines accuracy while the weapons damage is boosted by strength. Unless it is a bow.
SOCIAL SKILLS
ANIMAL KEN- 0/10 A PRIZED SKILL OF THE INUZUKA ANIMAL KEN INCREASES YOUR ABILITY TO TAME ANIMALS AND ORDER THEM IN COMBAT OR OTHERWISE.
EMPATHY- 4/10 YOUR ABILITY TO READ OTHERS AND PUT YOURSELF INTO THEIR SITUATIONS AND PROBLEMS. MANIPULATION PLUS EMPATHY VERSUS COMPOSURE AND SUBTERFUGE.
EXPRESSION- 0/10 YOUR ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS CLEARLY THROUGH ACTING, MUSIC, SPEAKING OR WRITING. PRESENCE PLUS EXPRESSION VS COMPOSURE AND SUBTERFUGE.
INTIMIDATION- 0/10 YOUR ABILITY TO COERCE THROUGH FORCE OF PERSONALITY, PHYSICALITY AND THREATS. EITHER STRENGTH PLUS INTIMIDATION OR PRESENCE AND INTIMIDATION. ALL ARE RESISTED BY COMPOSURE AND SUBTERFUGE.
PERSUASION- 2/10 YOUR ABILITY TO MANIPULATE OTHERS SUBTLY WITH WORDS AND COVERT ACTIONS. IT CAN INVOLVE FAST TALKING, (MANIPULATION + PERSUASION.) IMPASSIONED SPEECH (MANIPULATION +PERSUASION.) OR SEDUCTION/CHARM (PRESENCE + PERSUASION.) ALL ARE RESISTED BY COMPOSURE AND SUBTERFUGE.
SOCIALIZE- 2/10 YOUR ABILITY TO BLEND INTO PARTIES OR FORMAL GATHERINGS OR ANYWHERE REALLY. ACTIONS INCLUDE CAROUSE (MANIPULATION + SOCIALIZE), FIT IN (WITS + SOCIALIZE), AND GET ATTENTION (PRESENCE + SOCIALIZE) ALL ARE RESISTED BY COMPOSURE AND SUBTERFUGE.
STREETWISE- 0/10 YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN, YOUR CONNECTION TO CRIMINAL ELEMENTS AND BLACK-MARKET TYPES. SKILLS ARE WORK THE BLACK MARKET (MANIPULATION+STREETWISE) AND GET THE WORD OUT WE ARE HIRING (PRESENCE + STREETWISE).
SUBTERFUGE- 10/10 YOUR ABILITY TO LIE DECEIVE AND MANIPULATE ALSO YOUR ABILITY TO DEFEND AGAINST SUCH THINGS YOURSELF. LYING IS MANIPULATION PLUS SUBTERFUGE, FAKE EMOTIONS IS PRESENCE PLUS SUBTERFUGE. OTHER USES COVERED ABOVE. SUBTERFUGE MAXED! ADDITIONAL MERITS AVAILABLE. SNAKE CHARMER MERIT ADDED!
TECHNIQUES
KATON GOKAKYU/GRAND FIREBALL C-RANK 1000 CP 3/10- A SIGNATURE TECHNIQUE OF THE UCHIHA CLAN. AT CURRENT MASTERY THE FIREBALL HAS A RANGE OF 19 YARDS AND A MAXIMUM AREA OF EFFECT OF 9 YARDS IT CURRENTLY DOES 9 AGGRAVATED DAMAGE AND REQUIRES 10 DEFENSE TO AVOID.
KATON GORYUUKA/ GREAT DRAGON FIRE B-RANK 3000 CP 3/10- A PRIZED UCHIHA TECHNIQUE CAPABLE OF CRUSHING THROUGH MOST BARRIERS AND THEN EXPLODING IN A BLAZE OF AGONY. AT CURRENT MASTERY THE DRAGON FORMED BY THIS TECHNIQUE IS 3 METERS IN SIZE IGNORES 12 POINTS OF ARMOR FROM A STRUCTURE AND EXPLODES FOR 12 AGGRAVATED DAMAGE IN A 12 METER RADIUS. MAXIMUM RANGE IS 22 METERS.
KATON HOTARU NO HAKA/FIRE STYLE GRAVE OF FIREFLIES B-RANK 3000 CP 2/10- THE LEGACY OF UCHIHA TENKAI, THIS TECHNIQUE EARNED HIM THE MONIKER OF LIGHT BEARER IN HIS YOUTH. AT CURRENT LEVEL 96 SMALL FIREFLIES FLUTTER OUT TO A RANGE OF 18 YARDS BEFORE EXPLODING FOR 8 AGGRAVATED DAMAGE IN AN 8-YARD RADIUS.
KATON HOSENKA/ PHOENIX FLOWER JUTSU C RANK 1000 CP 2/10- A POPULAR UCHIHA TECHNIQUE. AT CURRENT MASTERY IT LAUNCHES 6 SMALL FIREBALLS TO A MAX DISTANCE OF 16 YARDS AND EFFECTS A 6 YARD AREA EACH FIREBALL DOES 1 AGGRAVATED DAMAGE AND REQUIRES 7 DEFENSE TO AVOID.
KATON RYUUKA/ DRAGONFIRE C-RANK 1000 CP 2/10- A POPULAR UCHIHA SUPPORT TECHNIQUE UTILIZING SHURIKEN AND NINJA WIRE AS A GUIDE AT LOWER LEVELS. AT CURRENT MASTERY IT HAS A MAXIMUM DISTANCE OF 16 YARDS, REQUIRES WIRE, AND DEALS 6 AGGRAVATED DAMAGE.
DOTON ISHI NO NIKU/EARTH STYLE STONE FLESH C-RANK 1000CP 1/10-AN EARTH TECHNIQUE WELL PRIZED FOR ITS SURVIVAL ENHANCING PROPERTIES BY IWAGAKURE SHINOBI. THE TECHNIQUE AT LOWEST LEVEL HARDENS THE USERS SKIN BUT UPON MASTERY AND EXPERIENCE IT ALSO HARDENS MUSCLES, BLOOD VESSELS, AND BONES FOR SUPERIOR PROTECTION.100 CP PER MINUTE TO MAINTAIN AT LEVEL ONE IT OFFERS 3 ARMOR AGAINST LETHAL, BLUNT, AND AGGRAVATED DAMAGE AND HALF OF THIS RATING ROUNDED DOWN AGAINST LIGHTNING.
DOTON ISHI NO TORIDE /EARTH STYLE FORT OF STONE C-RANK 1000 CP PER METER LENGTH 1/10- CREATES A WALL 1 FOOT THICK AND 3 METERS TALL AT CURRENT LEVEL CAN MAKE SLITS WALLS AND STONE DOORS AS WELL ABOVE OR BELOW GROUND A FORT BUILDING TECHNIQUE.
RAITON YAMA NO YUBI/ LIGHTNING STYLE FINGERS OF THE MOUNTAIN C-RANK 1000 CP 1/10- A POTENT SWIFT MOVING BOLT OF LIGHTNING FIRED FROM TWO FINGERS. A PRECISE LONG RANGED JUTSU WELL SUITED FOR ASSASSINATIONS. USED PREDOMINANTLY BY HUNTER NIN OF KUMOGAKURE FOR ITS SPEED AND ACCURACY. AT LEVEL 1 THE BOLT OF LIGHTNING DEALS 3 LETHAL DAMAGE, HAS A RANGE OF 33 YARDS AND REQUIRES 4 DEFENSE TO DODGE.
HENGE NO JUTSU/ TRANSFORMATION TECHNIQUE D RANK 500 CP 10 CP PER MINUTE 7/10 AT YOUR CURRENT MASTERY YOUR HENGE IS VERY IMPRESSIVE AND ALL, BUT THE MOST MINOR DETAILS ARE PERFECTLY ALIGNED, THIS LEVEL OF MIMICRY IS NIGH PERFECT WITH ONLY SLIGHT VARIANCES IN EXPRESSION CAPABLE OF GIVING IT AWAY.
KAWARIMI NO JUTSU/SUBSTITUTION TACHNIQUE D-RANK 500 CP ?/? ONCE THERE WERE ONLY ROOTS AND SEEDS WHERE PROUD TREES NOW GROW, KAWARIMI IS THE SACRIFICE OF THE OLD TO PRESERVE THE YOUNG.
BUNSHIN NO JUTSU/ CLONE TECHNIQUE D RANK 50 CP PER CLONE 7/10 ALL FOR WANT OF A MIRROR.
MERITS
SNAKE CHARMER- NO ONE LIES QUITE LIKE YOU. YOU ARE THE PROVERBIAL SNAKE IN THE GARDEN TEMPTING MEN AND WOMEN WITH VENOMOUS GUILE. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO USE SUBTERFUGE INSTEAD OF PERSUASION FOR CHARM AND SEDUCTION ROLLS. YOU TELL THE SWEETEST LIES, AND AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT IS ENOUGH FOR MOST PEOPLE.
LYING EYES- A MERIT THAT CONCEALS YOUR SHARINGAN ACTIVATION, WHENEVER YOU SO CHOOSE YOU CAN USE YOUR DOJUTSU WITHOUT REVEALING IT GRANTING ALL THE ADVANTAGES. DOUBLES CHAKRA COST OF SHARINGAN WHEN USED.
DESPERADO- YOURS TRULY IS A FOOL'S QUEST, BUT YOU DO NOT GIVE UP. YOU HAVE A REPUTATION AS A DESPERATELY RECKLESS SORT BUT IN AN ALMOST ADMIRABLE WAY. YOU SUFFER NO RELATIONSHIP PENALTY FOR ACTING IN YOUR CHOLERIC NATURE. AS AN ADDED BENEFIT WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN AND THINGS ARE DIRE TAKE +1 TO ALL PHYSICAL STATS. A DESPERADO GOES DOWN FIGHTING TOOTH AND NAIL.
PAIN AND HUNGER- YOU SAW SOMETHING FEW OTHERS COULD POSSIBLY RELATE TO WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE MORE THAN A CHILD YOU WERE TORMENTED FOR WEEKS ON END IN A HELLISH GENJUTSU THAT SHOWED YOUR BELOVED BROTHER KILLING EVERYONE YOU LOVED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. YOU WILL NOT HESITATE TO KILL YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO. TAKE A PLUS 1 TO HIT ROLLS IN LIFE-OR-DEATH SITUATIONS.
CHAKRA SENSE 1/10- YOU HAVE GAINED THE ABILITIES OF A SENSOR NINJA AT THIS LEVEL YOU CAN SENSE THE SEX, BLOODLINE, AND CHAKRA ELEMENTAL TYPE OF ANYONE WITHIN 20 YARDS OF YOU.
SHARINGAN 3 TOMOE- YOU HAVE MASTERED THE EYES OF YOUR VAUNTED CLAN AT THIS LEVEL THE SHARINGAN GRANTS PLUS 12 TO DEFENSE WHEN ACTIVE, PLUS 6 TO YOUR HIT ROLL THROUGH PREDICTION ABILITY, AND PLUS 12 TO GENJUTSU RESISTANCE ROLLS. IN ADDITION TO THESE ABILITIES A FULLY EVOLVED SHARINGAN ALLOWS YOU TO MEMORIZE ANY SEEN TECHNIQUE, CAN SEE THROUGH MIST/SMOKE AND WALLS, CAN SEE THROUGH CHAKRA MIST/SMOKE AND EARTH, CAN PERMANENTLY HYPNOTIZE PEOPLE, AND CAN CAST ANY GENJUTSU FROM D TO A RANK SEALLESSLY AND AS IF YOU WERE A GRANDMASTER. THESE BONUSES ONLY APPLY WHEN THE SHARINGAN IS ACTIVE. 100CP TO ACTIVATE PLUS 100 CP PER MINUTE.
EYE OF INSIGHT- TIED TO THE SHARINGAN THIS IS THE NAME FOR THE PREDICTIVE ABILITIES GRANTED, IT ENHANCES YOUR PERCEPTION OF TIME AND ALLOWS YOU TO PREDICT MOVEMENT, READ LIPS, AND RECALL WITH CLARITY ANYTHING YOU SEE WHEN USING THE SHARINGAN. THIS PREDICTIVE ABILITY IS PEERLESS WHEN ENGAGED IN ONE-ON-ONE COMBAT AND MADE THE UCHIHA FEARED OPPONENTS IN ANY DUEL.
EYE OF HYPNOTISM- THE FEARED GENJUTSU ABILITIES OF A MASTERED SHARINGAN ARE TERRIFYING INDEED AND KNOWN GENJUTSU CAN BE CAST FROM YOUR EYES UP TO AND INCLUDING A-RANK WITH NO HAND SIGNS AND AS IF FULLY MASTERED. IN ADDITION TO THIS THE EYE OF HYPNOTISM GRANTS HYPNOTIC POWERS AND THE ABILITY TO READ AND INFLUENCE THOUGHTS. IT CAN BE USED TO SUGGEST ACTIONS TO AN OPPONENT, AND GAIN INSIGHT INTO THEM. BY USING MENTAL SUGGESTION, YOU HAVE A SOCIAL ADVANTAGE AGAINST OTHERS ADDING A PLUS 3 TO MANIPULATION AND PRESENCE-BASED ROLLS, THIS BONUS IS CHALLENGED BY AN OPPONENT'S SUBTERFUGE AND COMPOSURE VS YOUR SUBTERFUGE AND COMPOSURE IF SUCCESSFUL THE MENTAL MANIPULATION SUCCEEDS. THIS INFLUENCE IS EXCEPTIONALLY SUBTLE AND IS MORE OF A MIND ABILITY THAN A PURE GENJUTSU. CAN EVEN READ MEMORIES OR ALTER THEM THOUGH THIS ABILITY TAKES TIME AND IS OBVIOUS TO THE PERSON UNDER IT. THEREFORE, THEY NEED TO BE RESTRAINED OR UNDER GENJUTSU.
EYE OF TWILIGHT- THE SHARINGAN HAS ANOTHER VAUNTED ABILITY THOUGH THE COST OF ITS USE IS HIGH AT THE COST OF AN EYE AN UCHIHA CAN ESCAPE DEATH BY REWRITING REALITY ITSELF FOR A FEW MOMENTS. PERMANENTLY BLINDS AN EYE WHEN USED. IZANAGI TAKES HIS TOLL FOR THE CREATION AND PRESERVATION OF LIFE BOTH.
GODLY EARTH AFFINITY- KAYA-NO-HIME FAVORS YOU AS THE CHAMPION OF THE GODDESS OF FIELDS AND MEDICINE YOU HAVE GAINED HER EARTH AFFINITY! ALL EARTH JUTSU COST 10 PERCENT WHAT IS SHOWN AND STONE CAN BE USED IN ANY WAY IMAGINED. MAKES STONE SUMMONING AND CLONES PERMANENT IF THEY ARE NOT ALREADY SO AND ALLOWS ROCK CLONES AND GOLEMS TO REPAIR THEMSELVES WITH NATURAL ENERGY.
PEAK FIRE AFFINITY- Ember in bone fire in blood the uchiha were the inferno given form. No other clan was as enamored with the frenzied flame as your own. All fire jutsu cost 25 percent the normal amount and fire is very easy to control. An awakened sharingan allows one to manipulate fire jutsu in enviable and deadly ways.
HIGH LIGHTNING AFFINITY- Lightning techniques cost 50 percent less to cast sharingan allows lightning to be more focused.
CURSE OF HATRED- Tobirama, oh Tobirama, how Hashirama must have turned in his grave. You who hated and mistrusted so fully were likely more of an Uchiha than most.