It had been about two weeks since the Xiaolin Dragons had appeared in the Hidden Leaf Village. The ninja's and civilians had quickly gotten use to appearance of the strangely dressed kids and their antics. Even Dojo had a little trouble at first, but soon he was treated as a revered Summons animal. The Dragons were busy teaching their ninja counter part while also learning from them. Chakra and Chase helped out with Jonin instructors either by assisting them for free on missions or having fun. They also tried to teach them hold to use chi to create surprisingly powerful attacks.
Master Fung had been hanging out in the Hokage's office a lot lately. He had even been seen outside the office showing Lady Tsunade how to use his Elemental Blade. At the moment both of them plus Shizune, Ton Ton, and Dojo were working on the not so dreaded paperwork. Apparently it helped a lot to have a Temple Dragon that had lived so long organizing your paperwork.
"Okay I've alphabetized and ranked your ninja missions according to date and importance, filed away the civilian requests by business, and sorted your inbox and outbox. I even rearranged your desk so things are easier to find. I hope you like it," Dojo said slithering over to Tsunade and handing her some forms.
"Thank you Dojo. I wish you could stay here full time. Your filing system is like Kami sent!" Tsunade stated as she happily stamped a few documents.
"I've had a lot of practice. While the Chinese government doesn't try to make us pay taxes or any other of that stuff we do occasionally have to deal with them. With Master Fung and the monk council's help and my filing we've never had any problems. Why don't I go fetch us some tea? I'll be right back!"
"It's nice to see him so excited about something. He was feeling a little depressed lately."
"Oh? Why?"
"I think he misses hanging out with his own kind. Dragons tend to stick close to home and they're cautious of being around Chase. Not that I blame them after he made them into his La Long Mei Soup. I don't mind him accompanying me, but he needs to find some other friends."
"Maybe he should hang out with Ton Ton for awhile. So Shizune how are things progressing with our little project? Will it be complete before our guests leave? What about the progress of our ninja?"
"The special project is coming along nicely. We've managed to find the right crystals and soon they will be imbued with the elemental energy. After that it's just a matter of placing them in the right locations. As for the progress of our ninja I'm not as informed as I like to be. I know that there have been reports of Gai challenging Chase to one of his insane contest and losing. He's also been seen drinking with Asuma. I don't know what he does with Kakashi or if they even hang out outside the group meetings. Kurenai and Chakra have been seen practicing taijustu or going to hot springs with Anko."
"Sounds like the days old in my opinion. Your four Jonin instructors are just like their old group. Gai is so much like Guan and Asuma has a lot of Dashie's traits inside him. Kakashi reminds me a bit of Chase with his power level and teaching methods. Kurenai is like the underdog who has something to prove just like Chakra did. Amazing."
"Indeed Gregory. What about the rest of them? How are they doing?"
"I heard their progressing along nicely. They've all managed to summon their chi element although not to the degree to perform the Apprentice level move yet. They all have been quickly picking up the Xiaolin moves. The Dragons seem to be learning the taijustu styles quite easily, but still have their struggles. They're so eager to learn. I saw Sakura with Omi at the hospital yesterday. It was pretty funny how many times Omi had to explain he wasn't sick and that he had a skin condition. It seemed he wanted to see Sakura in her element."
"Glad to know my apprentice is a good teacher. She'll keep your student's ego in check. I wonder what else he can teach her."
"Probably one of life's most valuable lesson. Your student has hidden some of her pain, but the not all of it. I think Omi is the right Dragon for this job. In fact I think all my dragons and comrades are going to be teaching your forces some valuable lessons. Ah thanks for the tea Dojo."
At the moment Omi and Sakura were outside in the yard next to the Hokage's tower practicing. This was the perfect place because they had a pool of water to help Sakura practice her move. She wasn't able to summon the element without a nearby source yet. Also there was plenty of stuff to smash when they were practicing the enhanced strength technique. At the moment they were doing a little light sparring. Omi was using standard taijustu and Sakura was using Xiaolin.
"I will defeat you Sakura! No way a mere medic can defeat me!" Omi shouted as he tried to punch her.
Sakura caught his fist and shoved him away. He came back at her with a flying kick, which she deflected and used Leopard Strike pinning him. Omi kicked her off and came charging with a super strength fist. Getting into the proper stance she shoved her fists into his stomach and flipped him while shouting, "Repulse the Monkey! All right I did it! I mastered your technique!"
"Same here if this hole in the ground is any indication. I'm proud of you. You've become adequate. Hey that hurt!"
"So does your criticism. So can we practice Tornado Strike? I think I'm ready to perform it without any water nearby."
"Sure let's see if you have mastered the difficult water move. Remember focus on your chi core and not your chakra. Imagine the water all around you and then spin," Omi instructed.
Sakura closed her eyes and put her hands in a prayer position. She needed to prove herself. Omi had told her nine times out of ten water had been a male element in his world. She needed to prove a girl could handle its power. Strands of water appeared around her feet growing in size. Taking a deep breath she started spinning. "Tornado Strike Water!" Instantly she was engulfed in water and destroyed the rock in the garden she was aiming for.
"I did it! I did it! Oh yeah take that!"
"Not bad Sakura. With a little more time and the strength of women you can do it automatically without focusing so much. Well I suggest we take a break. Why don't we go to the park and swing for a while? I really do enjoy it there."
"Omi could we stay and talk for a little while instead? I've been meaning to ask you something," Sakura said stopping the little guy in his tracks. He turned a looked at her waiting for her to continue. "I wanted to know more about what it was like for you when your uncle turned you evil."
"Are you asking because you are curious or is it because of, what did Jack call him, oh yes the emo arrogant jerk who was worse than me Sasuke! Ow would you please stop hitting my head?! I know it's a bit bigger then normal, but that's no excuse for hitting it! I'm sorry if I insult your friend I was just repeating what Jack said about his observations of your show."
"Well this real life to me! You can't judge people by what you see on TV. I mean I watched your stuff on the big screen and you're not as bad as it shows!"
"True, I'm really sorry. So talk to me. What do you want to know?"
"What did it feel like? Was it harder for you because you'd been split into two people? How was it that love brought you back to normal?"
"It was harder I guess because my Heylin half already existed, but I'm not entirely sure. All I remember about my trip down the dark side are the emotions I felt. I was very focused and my "darker" emotions were dominant. I had disdain for my former friends and ideals. I felt both powerful and deadly. I would willingly do anything to serve the cause of evil, because in reality all evil is ideals that don't match with the general population."
"But your friends got you back! I mean they had to go to another universe to get your good chi, but you went back to normal when Crystal talked to you proclaiming how much she loved you! Surely that would work here!"
"I don't know about that Sakura. I know that love brought me back because I already loved Crystal. It wasn't a little lust at second sight. Crystal and I developed a relationship that made it easier for love to save me. I don't know if this Sasuke loves you enough for your love to break the curse."
"But there must be something I can do! Sasuke-kun is my friend! I don't understand how he could do this! It had to be the curse seal!"
"Um at the risk of getting my head pounded again I have to point out something. While that curse seal might have played a big role in it one must willingly chose evil to become it. Your friend willingly chose to leave this village and try to kill your teammate all in the name of revenge. Wait don't hit me! Sakura do you remember what my mother told Jack about revenge? Remember he wanted to get back at his Heylin half for harming Kimiko. What did she tell him?"
"She said that revenge was a fools mission. That the killing and destruction of life, destroys your soul and will never bring back those who have died. Death is never the answer that life is."
"Correct and I have another saying that might help. It takes a big person to kill, but it takes a bigger person to forgive. Your friend Sasuke chose revenge instead of forgiveness. That choice led him down the path he's on right now. I don't know if he's lost forever or can be saved, but this I do know. Your heart was broken badly by the experience. So bad that your afraid to let someone else in. So as I see you have two choices. You can wait for a day that might never come or you could try to love again. I know there are at least three boys in this village who would love to bait down with you."
"The term is hook up and I think I know who your talking about. Maybe you're right about it being time to open my heart again. Let's go to the park. We can swing and listen to your flute," Sakura replied. She was feeling a lot better now. She might just open up her heart to someone else.
At the Akemetchi compound Clay and Choji were working hard. While Clay was unable to expand his body parts to match Choji's taijustu, he was able to mimic some of their movements thus creating a similar fighting style. Choji in turn had mastered a few Xiaolin moves and had almost nailed the Apprentice level move. At the moment Clay was coaching the young boy.
"Alright you can do this partner. Focus on your chi and let her rip. If all goes well you'll make a crater bigger then oil drill sites in San Antonio!" Clay shouted.
"Will do Clay! Seismic Kick Earth!" Choji shouted, bringing down his foot hard on the ground. Crack in the ground formed and zigzagged out until it formed a small crater in the ground. "Alright I did it!"
"Good job Choji! Hey why don't we take a lunch break partner? I'm starving and I bet you are too,"
"I sure am! Maybe after lunch you can teach me some of those rope tricks. I really want to learn."
"Oh I'm surprised buddy. I though you ninja were all about sharp objects and stealthy moves. Why would you want to learn a simple cowpoke's tricks?"
Choji had already started munching on his barbecue so it was hard to understand the words that came out of his mouth. "Well two reasons munch. One munch you were able to disable me with your lasso munch. I'm not very good with kunai and shrunken. So I figured if I could learn to use an unexpected weapon it would make up for my lack of proficiency."
"That's one reason partner, so what's the second reason. You want to impress Ino? Whoa hold on don't choke. One, two, three! There got it. You have to be more careful. You don't want crow like a roaster at dawn right?"
"W w what makes you think I like Ino?"
"A lot of little things really. Like how you eat less around her, how you try to compliment her, and mostly because you have her photo next to your bed. Honestly you couldn't have picked a better match for you. I mean opposites do attract in nature. So why haven't you told her how you feel?"
"It's complicated. Compared to you I'm nothing special in her eyes. I'm food boy! The big boned idiot who can't really do anything,"
"Now you're being hard on yourself. You know what I think? I think Ino is just like Callie. My girl covers up her insecurities and true feelings behind her fierceness and independent attitude. Ino may be brash and considerably rude at times, but she has a good heart and is a loyal friend. I think she just crushed on that Sasuke guy because it was easier to do then admit whom she really liked. Trust me partner, you don't have to impress her. Just be yourself," Clay advised.
"Maybe, but how to I show her I love her? I haven't exactly been out on a date before. I'm not the best when it comes to being romantic. Heck I haven't even had puberty yet."
"There are three rules when it comes to woman. One, treat them with the utmost respect. They deserve it for all the crap they put up with. Two, listen to her. Three have fun with her and it will all work out. If all that fails take her dancing. Girls love to dance. Now why don't we get back to training? I'm going to make a cowboy out of you yet."
In small backyard behind a combination weapons shop/house Jack and Tenten were busy training hard. Jack had easily learned the minimum taijustu that Tenten knew. At the moment he was trying to crack the mystery that was Tenten Kou.
"Jackbots attack her with everything you got. Don't hold back! Tenten remember no weapons!" Jack shouted. He grinned widely as his robots descended from the heavens with their weapons whirling.
Tenten dropped into a Xiaolin stance. When the Jackbots were a few feet from her she attacked. Weaving her way through the onslaught she struck with incredible force. The Duel of the Leaping Monkey was the perfect move for her body type. None of the Jackbots were a match for her.
"You pant can do pant better pant then that," Tenten panted.
"Oh I can do better then that. Trust me," Jack said smiling. He pressed a button on his watch sending out a signal to his nanobots. Instantly the pieces of broken robots merged together into a giant disk of metal. It soared through the air aiming for Tenten's chest.
Tenten focused on her chi and spread her hands wide. She was determined to master this move. "Magnetic Pulse Metal!" she shouted. Thrusting her hands foreword she managed to repulse the metal in the opposite direction. The disk end up lodged in the side of her house. "Yes even without weapons I'm still hit the target one hundred percent of the time."
"Good going Tenten. Why don't we head inside and have some lunch. You can tell me how your training with Chakra's going."
"Well not as well as I hoped. I really wanted to learn how to make a weapon like yours or even control my weapon from a distance without chakra strings, but Chakra said I needed to learn something before I could really become a true Weapons Mistress," Tenten told him. She sighed as she thought back to her lesson the other day.
Flashback
Tenten was battling Chakra with everything she had. No matter what weapon she used Chakra was able to counter it. Summoning her bow she shot several arrows at the Dragon of Fire.
Chakra reached into her pocket and hurled something at the incoming arrows. The objects in question were playing cards and they where thrown with such force and accuracy they sliced off the arrowheads. "Remember child anything can be into a weapon if you work hard enough."
"I do work hard!" Tenten grunted as she switched to her bo staff. She attacked Chakra and parried the blows she countered with. Suddenly Chakra tossed her tainto into the air causing Tenten to stumble forward. Chakra hit in the chest and took her staff. Somehow she merged the staff with her tainto and successfully pinned Tenten to the ground. "Not bad child, but you could have done better. While you have the knack for weapons, you don't have the bond required to become one with your weapons. Until you do I'm afraid it's going to be difficult to teach you."
"Wait! What do you mean bond? Please I want to know! I really want to have a weapon like you and the other dragons have. Please tell me what I'm missing so I can become the greatest Weapons Mistress!"
"Tenten do you know why woman are better at weapons then males? For so long females have been viewed as the weaker of the sexes so nature gave us an advantage when it came to defending ourselves. It gave us the gift of instinctively knowing how to use weapons to protect ourselves from harm. Tell me Tenten why do you want to have Ancient style weapon?"
"Your Star of Fate, the Dragons weapons all look so amazing. The things they can do with them are unbelievable. I want to create a weapon like that so I can defend those precious to me."
"Hmm perhaps one day you will. Do you recall what Master Fung said about those weapons? That the weapon chooses the warrior and not the other way around? Ancient style weapons have something akin to a soul inside them that allows them work with a particular monk. The bond I mentioned earlier is the soul of the weapon becoming part of the soul of the warrior. When you figure out how to merge your soul with a weapon we can truly train together. Until then continue to work with Jack. I shall see you later Tenten Kou."
End Flashback"How am I supposed to form a bond with my weapons? They're inanimate objects! I wish your master wasn't so cryptic. How do I prove myself worthy?" Tenten mused.
"Maybe you could start by being a bit more honest with your teammates?" Jack suggested as they ate their lunch. He watched her eyes widen. "You know I'm right. You and Shino are the only characters in the magna/show that have never been given a back-story. There are either two reasons for that. One, the animators are lazy or two, your too ashamed to admit your past so they can't."
"You shut your mouth or I'll do it for you! I am not ashamed of my past. I love my family very much!"
"Then why haven't you told anyone about them? Your dad, Torishiro, owns and builds customized weapons for all sorts ninja. Your mother, Mei Lai, writes the most beautiful poetry I've ever read. Haikus, cinoquins, and imagery their outstanding and half of them are about you! Not to mention you've never told either Neji or Lee about your collection."
Tenten's eyes darted over to the locked glass cabinet where her collection sat. She always played the tough girl because she never wanted anyone to think of her as weak. What would Lee and especially Neji think if they found out she collected The Great Nations Kunochie dolls? Each doll was hand crafted and resembled the greatest female ninjas ever. Her most prized doll in the collection was a limited editon Sannin Tsunade Summoning doll. It had cost her two months of allowance plus four missions to pay for that doll.
"They wouldn't understand. Lee is always going on and on about training and Neji is from the Hyugga clan. If he found out about this collection or my family he'd lose all respect for me."
"Do you really believe that? Look I know his clan can be a bit up stuck, but I think Neji likes you for who you are. If you really like him it shouldn't matter who his family is. Tenten, remember what Chakra said about forming a bond with your weapon? She meant that if you put your whole heart and soul into something then you can succeed no matter what. Look until two weeks ago no one even knew your last name because you were so afraid to let them see the real you. Try being you. Tell Neji how you feel in a poem. I've seen your work and it's as talented as your mothers. Remember the pen is mightier then the sword."
"The pen is mightier then the sword. Hmm. You know something Jack your right. I am slightly ashamed of my interest and families, but no more. I'm going to show everyone that you can be both tough and girly at the same time. Call Master Chakra. I think I'm ready to create my own special weapon," Tenten said with a grin.
At the Aburame home Shino and Dagwood were practicing. Shino's father Shibi had been surprised to learn his son could with time learn how to use wood. While it made him a target to others, it was a skill that could save Shino's life should something happen to his bugs. So he watched the two practice from a distance making observations. So far Shino's taijustu had improved greatly with learning how to use Xiaolin. Dagwood was also learning a lot about insects and how to use them when he was fighting.
At the moment Dagwood was waiting to see if Shino could pull off the move he taught him. "Come on Shino, you can do it! Just focus on your power and not the bugs!"
Shino took a deep breath brought his hand up for a slicing movement. Forgetting his entire colony for the moment he brought hand down as fast as he could shouting, "Timber Slice Wood!" Halfway down his hand became covered in bark and plant life. When his hand connected with the target the plant life jumped off and obliterated the target. Shino pushed his glasses back up and smiled. "It appears I'm successful with the technique. Thank you Dagwood."
"No problem Shino. Now that you've mastered that move why don't we take a break? I've wanted to go see your village's animal hospital since we got here. Want to check it out with me?"
"Perhaps I should stay. I might make the other animals there uncomfortable."
"Shino kun you're a good friend and fantastic with insects, but you're not a drone. You are a teenage boy with hormones who needs to learn to socialize with mammals. Now your coming with me whether you like it or not," Dagwood said, as he started to drag the poor boy with him.
Shino started to protest when he received an insect message from his father. He wanted him to go with Dagwood and have fun. It wasn't often a person wanted to be in an Aburame company so he should take advantage of it.
Ten minutes later they were outside the animal hospital with Dagwood talking to his friend while searching his pack for the medicines he created. "You know Shino you really could try to be a little more sociable outside the clan. Your acting to much like a drone in my opinion."
"Drones are necessary to keep the colony strong. I have no need for outside influences."
"Well your colony aka your family is going to die out eventually if you don't expand your DNA pool. You're not like insects who can change the DNA when creating a new colony. Look just spend the afternoon with me here. If you really don't like it we can leave."
They entered the clinic and it was absolute chaos. Animals were running around like crazy. People were barking out orders and owners were wanting anxiously for their pets. Both boys spied Kiba sister Hana taking some information on a dog. She smiled and waved the boys over. "Thanks for the information. I'll be sure to tell you if Yosh doesn't get any better. Hello Shino! You must be Dagwood. Kiba told me about you. You're a lot more down to earth then he said you were. You boys want to follow me to the back and help me out."
"Are you sure that's a good idea? I'm sure to cause some problems."
"Shino relax! I'm sure Hana wouldn't invite us back if she thought we cause problems. Here I brought some medicine I made from my plants. It helps animals recover faster."
"Thanks it will be a great help. Things have been kind of crazy. All the animals here seem to be getting some sort of mite infection, but we don't know how to cure it. We can't even identify what type of mite is. Until we do we can't treat them without risking harm to him."
"Perhaps I can help. I have cataloged thousands of different insect species. I could come up with a way to make them leave the animals without killing them."
"That would be so helpful. I'm glad my little brother's best friend is so smart. Come on I'll show you the first patient," Hana said. For the next two hours the trio debugged all the animals. During that time they learned more about one another. Shino talked about how the females in his clan bred insects for different uses like silk, medicine, and even compost ingredients. He also revealed that he liked crafting items in the shape of insects.
Hana listened and told the boys about herself. Her time at the academy, her work as a veterinarian, even showed them the Haimaru Sankyodai trio. The dogs were nervous around Shino, but soon warmed up to him. It turned out both Shino and her had a lot in common. By the time they had to leave it was obvious that Shino and Hana had become good friends. As they were leaving Dagwood could swear Shino was blushing when Hana gave them a thank you hug and waved them good-bye. "So it wasn't as bad as you thought huh?"
"I reserve the right to not comment," Shino replied. Still he had to admit he would enjoy spending more time in the company of his best friends sister.
At a nearby training field Jermaine had collapsed from exhaustion. His body felt like a cement truck filled to the brim with cement had flattened it. Lee was insane with his training methods! It had taken all his powers of persuasion and reasoning to prevent Lee from strapping leg weights to Jermaine's leg. "Dang dawg, don't you ever get tired man? At the rate we're going I'm either going to learn your Dynamic Energy attack or die in the process. I have to tell you the ladies don't like a dude who resembles a stiff you know what I mean?"
"Yosh! Jermaine-kun I know that my training is a little tougher then your use to, but I'm only trying to fan the Flames of Youth inside you! You have so much skill and energy you remind me of myself. I want to show my appreciation in the best way I know how!"
"Yo I know that Lee, but you have to remember I'm not you. I don't have your stamina or endurance. Maybe we could try some of my training methods for awhile."
"Alright show me your training methods! I'm eager to add a few more Xiaolin techniques to my arsenal. I've already mastered your Leopard Strike and Rabbit Punch. What else can you teach me?"
"What about working on your gravity technique? I notice hommie you haven't attempted it yet. You afraid it's going to blow up in your face?" Jermaine asked curiously.
"No! I. I. I'm afraid I won't be able to perform it. I can't properly mold chakra because of my underdeveloped chakra coils. What if I can't use chi properly?" Lee questioned. That was his biggest fear at the moment. He would let down his new friend by not being able to do what he was asked.
"You going to give up the ball without taking a shot? That doesn't sound like the Lee I know. You never give up. If you believe in yourself you'll be able to do it. Now cup your hands and focus. When you feel you have enough power release it at me. Ready?"
"Yes! I can do this I can do this. I believe in myself. Gravimetric Well Gravity!" Lee shouted releasing a silvery energy at Jermaine. The attack struck Jermaine in the chest pinning him down as the gravity increased around him. It lasted for a few minutes before the power released him. Lee stared in amazement smiling. "YES! I DID IT! GAI-SENSEI WILL BE SO PROUD!"
"Okay that blew my eardrums. Look let's shoot some hoops for awhile. I want to teach you how to play Horse. It's a simple game dawg. I take the first shot and you have to copy it. If you don't you get a letter. First one to spell horse loses," Jermaine stated.
Soon the two boys were playing the game and talking about normal stuff. They talked about their families, friends, training habits. Jermaine was surprised to learn how Lee's parents, sales clerk and waitress, encouraged him with his training. Lee was surprised to learn about Jermaine's dad dying and his stepdad. But mostly what they talked about was girls.
"So you have a big crush on Sakura huh? I got to admit she's kind of cute with that pink hair of hers. Of course I love my Stacey more then life itself at times."
"Yes Sakura is the most beautiful blossom I've ever seen! I would gladly give my life for her. Unfortunately I haven't been very successful in my attempts to win her affection. Do you have any suggestions?" Lee asked as missed a basket and received the letter R.
"My advice to win your chick? I'm not about to ask you to change your fashion sense because that's a losing battle. Just maybe once and while you could change your outfit to mix it up a little. Also don't be so forward with her! Dang dawg are you trying to scare the poor girl to death? Last piece of advice I can give you is listening. Dudes don't listen enough. Got it?"
"Yes! I will try your advice and win the heart of the beautiful Sakura! This I promise!"
Naruto and Raimundo were having their own sets of problems at the moment. Naruto's taijustu was sloppy so it was hard for him to learn Xiaolin let alone teach it to someone else. Raimundo was also having difficulties picking up the taijustu and getting Naruto to use the Apprentice level move.
"Your too focused Naruto-kun. Just relax and let the power flow from your core. Now clap your hands together as hard as you can while saying the proper words," Naruto instructed.
"Right. Typhoon Boom Wind! Ahh!" Naruto screamed, as he was blown back ten feet. He rubbed his head and chuckled lightly. "Guess I overdid it huh?"
"You think? I don't know why you're having so many problems with this. Your chi core is average so it's not like your large chakra reserves when you have too much. You know how to connect to the core so it's not a lack of power either. Do you just have problems learning stuff?"
"Well I was never the best student if that's what you're asking me. Come on lets try again! I know I can get it!"
"Actually I think we should take a break. Over training can cause as much damage as under training. I brought some ramen for lunch. You were right about it being really good."
"Oh yeah ramen! Thanks Raimundo-kun!" Soon the two boys were sitting down enjoying their meal. Well Naruto was inhaling his while Raimundo was eating it slowly. After a few minutes Naruto hesitantly asked something that was on his mind. "So um why did you betray your friends and team up with that Heylin witch Wuya?"
"I was wondering when you were going to ask that. I've got a lot of reasons, but mostly it stems from my whole life up to that point. I have eight brothers and sisters together. My parents work hard, but didn't have time for individual attention. So when I got to the Xiaolin Temple and was made special because of my gift I was ecstatic. Even the smaller crowd was better then home. I was getting so good, I was happy, having fun and then comes along Mala Mala Jong. Master Fung ordered us to leave and not come back, but I couldn't do that. It wasn't that I thought I could beat him it was I couldn't abandon my new family and friends. It was wrong."
"Kakashi-sensei has a saying about that. 'A ninja that breaks the rules is trash but a ninja that turns their backs on their friends is worse than trash.' So that's why you went back huh."
"That's also why it hurt so badly when Master Fung dismissed my actions as reckless, wrong, and unworthy of Apprentice. Then he went on training them and praising them right in front of my face. Toss in Omi's attitude and the lack of understanding from Clay and Kimiko I think it's a wonder I just snapped instead trying to kill them. Still I paid the price for it later," Raimundo explained sadly. He gazed at his palms sorrowfully noting they Heylin symbol on his left and a W on his right.
"That's where they marked you isn't? There the source of that crazy green fire you used huh?"
"Yeah unlike your seal I got these because of a mix of fate, free will, and little dumb luck. I know that doesn't sound like it make sense, but it does. The blood of the Heylin Royals runs through my veins giving me minimal access to the source of their power. I've learned to suppress it for the most part, but like you saw sometimes I lose control. Ever happen to you?"
"Um yeah. Mostly when I get really angry or I demand power from the fox. I'm surprised how easily you guys accept this. I mean doesn't it freak you out I have demon in my gut?" Naruto asked. He couldn't believe; even with a show named after him, that these kids could accept him so easily. It was like the biggest joke ever.
Raimundo gave him a ruthful looking smiling. "What the biggest prank king ever can't believe kids from another world see him as a human? Naruto, everyone has demons. Some of us just have them more visible then others. The fact you have a physical manifestation of one in your stomach doesn't really make that big of a difference. I bet twenty bucks even without the Kyubbi you would have still been pulling pranks. Nice job on the one with Hokage Mountain. That tops any of my pranks."
"Thanks! It took me forever to do that one! It was one of my best! It took them forever to catch me!"
"I bet you're very sneaky. Any other questions?"
"Could you tell me how to get girlfriend?"
"Why you still crushing on Sakura? I hate to tell you my friend, but I think you should honestly give Sakura some space. Her heart was broken when your teammate left. It takes a longtime to get over that. Right now she really needs a friend more then a lover. Besides, and this entirely my opinion, she's not your type."
"Not my type! She's the greatest girl ever! Smart, pretty, kind. She's also a kick butt ninja. How could she not be my type?"
"Whoa defensive much? I said I was giving you my opinion. In the world of girls guys need to find one that is similar to them, has a great personality, and can compliment their flaws. Example Lu's reckless nature compliments my rebel attitude, but my strategic mind makes up for her impulsiveness. I happen to know along with most of your friend a girl likes you for you."
"Really? A girl thinks I'm the best? Well who is it?!"
"It's not my place to tell you. You have to figure this out yourself. I will tell you this. Relationships don't have to start with love, most just start with like. So you want to play a little soccer for a while? With your Shadow Clones we have enough for two teams in you henged them," Raimundo suggested. Ten minutes later the two boys were playing an all out match.
At the moment Chase was having a late lunch with Gai and Asuma. The men had spent the morning training against each other. Asuma was trying to duplicate Chase's Galvin's spinning blades with his knives. Gai was very uncomfortable and scratching himself furiously. They reason for it? He had lost a bet to Chase and for the next twenty-four hours had to wear Chase's spare outfit.
"Gai quit it already. You can't be itching that much," Asuma grunted.
"I know that I'm being most unyouthful at the moment, but I can't help it Yosh! My entire body feels like its being eaten alive. How do you stand being in these clothes?" Gai demanded, scratching desperately. If only he had been able to stand on his head and drink more then thirty glasses of water without falling over, he wouldn't be in this mess. Next time he accepted a bet from Chase he should make sure the winner doesn't get to pick the losers task.
"It's not my outfit that's itchy Gai-kun. You're having a psychosomatic reaction. I was wondering if that would happen," Chase said.
"Psychosowhatsa? I don't understand!"
"He's saying its in your head Gai. We all thought you were a touch crazy. This just proves it."
"I'm not crazy! How dare you say such an unyouthful thing to my face?"
"Relax, you're not crazy although Asuma's right when he said it was in your head. Your normal outfit, while slightly disturbing to the rest of us, is your defense mechanism against the horrors you face as a ninja. It also is a physical representation of your philosophy. When you're out of them you feel defenseless. Don't worry it will clear up tomorrow when you start wearing your green spandex."
"Thank you Chase-kun! It is good to know that a little itching won't keep the Green Beast of Kohana down! You are most youthful you know that?"
"Yeah all to well."
"What's the matter Chase? You seem down. Something we can help you with," Asuma asked lighting another cigarette.
"It's nothing Asuma-kun. Hanging with you guys reminds me of my old team. You're a lot like Dashi and not just in the wind department. You're a good teacher, you carry a bladed weapon, and you love to help people. Sure you have that nasty cigarette habit, but even Dashi had his bad habits. That guy could snore so loudly you think a herd of buffalo was stampeding. Gai? You remind me of Guan. Both of you work extremely hard, you both know dangerous combat moves, and both of you have crutches so to speak. I really let both of them down."
"When you let a creepy bean talk you into exchanging your soul for power and glory? No offense, but how dumb can you be?" Asuma asked.
"Asuma-kun that wasn't very nice!"
"It's okay he's right. I was young and stupid. I didn't see that Guan wouldn't surpass me. We would have both earned Dragon Master rank together. Dashi taught me so much especially the value of patience and goodness. I threw in his face. The person I hurt the most was the one that meant the most to me. I cursed Chakra causing a rift between us. I've been a normal human for almost ten months now. I have a lot of redemption to earn. I just hope I can make up for all my past mistakes."
"Do not worry Chase-kun! I'm sure that with enough time you will be able to undo all the horrible mistakes you did as a demon!" Gai proclaimed.
"Yeah, Gai's right. We all make mistakes and have regrets. At least you're trying to fix them."
"Thank you both of you. That means a lot to me."